Graphic by Dani Ramirez
Written by Sergio Gonzalez
Two CI students agreed deodorant reapplication should be normalized but differed in their reasoning and approach. Here’s what they said:
Hunter Harding, a CI senior and English major, took a different approach.
With a quick agreement to the general question, she claims “I think we should get to the point where we have deodorant that works for everybody for the whole day,” she said. “It shouldn’t need to be reapplied” She acknowledged exceptions, such as sports and physical activity.
However, even that issue is easily dismissed as a locker room acts as a space between the public and the private—somewhere where everyone is expected to maintain themselves. In terms of its applicability, she follows her statement with the comparison of applying deodorant to washing your hands claiming that while it is not strictly enforced, everyone appreciates it when done.
When asked how easily the behavior could be normalized, Harding pointed to public awareness.When posed with this question, Harding thinks on a bigger scale, trying to align herself with public opinion, in order to correctly estimate the public opinion. Harding arrives at the thought that all it takes, then, is more recognition on the behalf of individuals, to have more people recognize what they are already doing and recognize it as a benefit to all. “You’re literally showing that you have good hygiene,” Harding said. If you are applying deodorant and reapplying when needed.
Elias Quiroz, a CI English major, offered a more nuanced perspective. Quiroz was interested in bringing up the fact that since those who produce more natural odors and the physically active make up a large part of the general population. He said reapplication should be normalized and is long overdue.
Digging further into the weeds of the topic, Quiroz brings up his own experience of seeing someone reapplying in front of them, “I didn’t have a crazy reaction.” His insight lends itself to Harding’s point on comparing it to washing your hands. Perhaps accidentally hinting at the fact that if seeing someone wash their hands would urge you to wash yours then that could be applied to the topic.
When posed with the same question of the ease at which it may be normalized Quiroz approached the question by considering different social contexts. He did so by reversing the idea of who is comfortable in the position of reapplying deodorant. Bringing up the question of how much skin is too much for the average person to be revealing, how many people, and in what area, made Quiroz’s insight focused on the individual unique and informative. “Do you need to feel comfortable around someone to do it?” Quiroz said.
Both students agreed deodorant reapplication should be normalized, though they differed in reasoning. Harding emphasized product effectiveness, while Quiroz focused on social context and individual comfort.
