In her book "Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture," Roxane Gay uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the pervasive nature of rape culture. By suggesting that if rape culture had a physical presence, it would be characterized by products like Axe body spray and perfumed feminine hygiene products, she highlights the superficial ways society attempts to mask deeper issues surrounding sexual violence and misogyny.

This comparison underscores the discomfort and absurdity of how products designed to disguise bodily odors reflect broader societal problems. Gay's critique points to the normalization of certain attitudes and behaviors regarding women, emphasizing how these trivializing elements contribute to a culture that often dismisses the seriousness of sexual assault and harassment.