History of the Self: Smell and Memory
Throughline
Deep Dive
Why is the sense of smell often overlooked in historical narratives?
Historians tend to focus on visual and auditory evidence, but sensory historians argue that incorporating smells, tastes, and textures can provide a more robust understanding of the past. Smells, for instance, can reveal power dynamics and cultural constructs that are otherwise invisible.
How does the sense of smell work in the human body?
Odor molecules enter the nostrils and travel through the nasal passages, where they land on a patch of mucous membrane containing smell receptors. These receptors detect the molecules and send signals to the brain's amygdala and hippocampus, which process emotions and memories, allowing us to identify scents and associate them with feelings.
What role did smell play in the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case?
In Plessy v. Ferguson, the prosecutor argued that he could identify someone's race by smell, even without visual confirmation. This racist claim was used to justify segregation laws, highlighting how smells can be weaponized to enforce social hierarchies and legalize discrimination.
How can smell training help restore a lost sense of smell?
Smell training involves regularly sniffing four distinctive scents (e.g., peanut butter, coffee) multiple times a day for at least 12 weeks. This process helps reactivate smell receptors and can restore the sense of smell, especially after illnesses like COVID-19.
Why are smell memories so powerful?
Smell memories are processed in the same brain regions as emotions and memories, specifically the amygdala and hippocampus. This overlap makes scent-triggered memories deeply emotional and vivid, often transporting us back to specific moments in time.
How did Ernestine Dean use smell to connect with her family's history?
Ernestine used the smell of roasted almonds and pine cones to reconnect with her family's history in South Africa, particularly during the apartheid era. These scents reminded her of her grandmother's kitchen and the rituals her family maintained despite forced relocations.
What scientific breakthroughs have been made in understanding the sense of smell?
Scientists like Linda Buck and Richard Axel discovered over 1,000 smell receptors in the nose, which allowed them to map how the brain processes odors. Their work won the Nobel Prize in 2004 and led to a surge in research on the molecular basis of smell.
How does culture influence our perception of smells?
Cultural norms shape what we consider pleasant or unpleasant. For example, a smell that is delightful in one culture might be repulsive in another. These associations are learned and can be used to reinforce social hierarchies or exclude certain groups.
What is the significance of the smell of Álvarez Gómez Agua de Colonia in Christina Kim's life?
The scent of Álvarez Gómez Agua de Colonia is deeply tied to Christina's memories of her grandmother and mother. After losing her sense of smell due to COVID-19, regaining the ability to smell this perfume helped her reconnect with her family's history and identity.
How does the sense of smell contribute to our sense of self?
Smells are deeply personal and serve as bookmarks for our memories, emotions, and identity. They help us remember who we are and where we come from, making them a crucial part of our life narrative.