Although universally valued and recognized, hygiene is something that displays some particular traits that can be regionalized. As an immigrant from Africa, you may often witness customs that seem jarring to you but are considered normal within the United States. One of the hardly talked about aspects of American culture is their outlook on fragrance and body odor.
Americans as a whole—excepting the cultural and racial minorities—do not eat foods heavy on garlic and spices. As such, their tolerance to the normal body odor derived from such diets is minimal, leading to some unsavory jokes about “smelly” individuals from other nationalities. So, if that’s your regular food, it’s essential to be aware that some of the less-tolerant people you might encounter can speak about it.
But that is not the end of Americans’ sensitivity to scents. Strong odors are discouraged by society as a whole—whether they are pleasant or not. As such, perfumes and fragrances are mostly discouraged unless mild and not too intrusive. Likewise, they are more common in women, and men hardly wear perfume, colognes, or other fragrances.
The use of deodorants and antiperspirants is mandatory and commonplace, as it is discouraged to move around without one. As such, some individuals prefer to focus on wearing one with a scent they find appealing, particularly men. However, as with perfumes, strong scents are heavily discouraged, and it’s preferred to wear an odorless one whenever possible.
Of course, these standards should never discourage you from expressing your individuality in any way you want to. However, it is crucial to understand the unspoken rules of American culture, and socialization can help you navigate through life within your new country.
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