Olfactory Imaginary: The Smell of the Other—Racist and Xenophobic Olfactory Stereotypes

This chapter examines a variety of metaphors that link the sense of smell to the perception of odors, which can be found in the symbolic lexicon of smells. Throughout history, strangers have been characterized and marginalized by the representation of their unpleasant smell, and this trend continues today with the various ways in which we perceive the smells of others. Different social groups, such as Jews, Roma, Arabs, Chinese, Native Americans, slaves, prostitutes, witches, and the impoverished, have been stigmatized in society and distinguished by a distinct stench or at least an unpleasant smell. In general, bad smells are linked to the concept of otherness and are associated with various social categories such as gender, age, nationality, and skin color.