Laura Smith
The history of the senses and olfactory-focused writings is loaded with ascribed meanings. In this article, I want to examine the links between the discussion of fat people and related stereotypes. Olfactory discrimination against fat people is not new, as narratives about foul body odor were used to oppress enslaved people during the eighteenth century. During the mid-twentieth century, physicians and scientists framed body odors as a problem related to overall health. Stereotypes about fat people were folded into discussions regarding sensory engagement of how to control fat people and encourage diet culture and exercise. Discussion of body odor furthered cultural ideas related to fat-phobia. Discussions of fat people and shame related to the perception of body odor appeared in American newspapers, along with encouragement for women to participate in diet culture. The discussion of the stronger-than-average senses of fat people was used to create further shame about body weight. Doctors writing in newspapers discussed the need for fat people to lose weight and improve their bodily smell. The relationship of fat people with soap has historically evolved, as it started as a tool of fat-phobia and oppression, and has changed to a tool of engagement within activism and a way to gain more empowerment through body positivism and body neutrality. Influencers on social media have engaged in spreading information about fat bodies as a form of activism, and legal cases have challenged fatphobia in the workplace.