An Open Letter to Degree Deodorant

Dear Degree Deodorant,

As a long-time user of your pleasant "Shower Clean"-scented deodorant, I was shocked and disappointed at your recent marketing shift.

"Shower Clean" is now considered a subset of Degree for Women, while men are encouraged to purchase Degree for Men, which putatively "protects men who takes risks."

This marketing strategy is alienating, not to mention out of touch with the intellectual trends of the day. Anyone worth her salty armpit sweat knows that humans are not so easily broken down into the simple gender binaries of Man and Woman. Shame on you, Degree Deodorant, for being so wilfully out-of-touch.

But, rather than boycott your product, as may seem justified, I'm acting to subvert it. Today I proudly applied Degree for Women's "Shower Clean" scent to my underarms. Because a man wearing women's deodorant knows what true risk-taking is all about.

Tsk-tsk-edly,

Stanley



UPDATE: Degree offers the corporate line in response:

Hi Stanley,

Thanks for writing!

When a product is re-formulated the previous formula is discontinued and all remaining stock is shipped to stores. As such, we are not able to assist you in finding any stock of the old formulation.

Prior to launching the new line of products, the Brand team conducted extensive testing. The new line was found to be superior to the prior in consumer testing. Because the personal needs of consumers vary greatly, Unilever manufactures many different products. We are sorry that the changes made to this product did not meet your needs. We will forward your comments to the appropriate staff.

Thanks for your interest!
Your friends at Degree

Lame...