Controversy over Danish kids show about man with giant penis

"It's perpetuating the standard idea of a patriarchal society and normalising 'locker room culture'".
"It's perpetuating the standard idea of a patriarchal society and normalising 'locker room culture'". Photo credit: DR

A new kids show in Denmark has caused controversy for its central theme - a man with an uncontrollable and gigantic penis. 

John Dillermand premiered on Saturday aimed at four to eight year olds. Since it's premiere, debate has raged over what is appropriate for children and what isn't.

Critics have blasted the show for being a slap in the face of the #metoo movement.

Associate professor and gender researcher Christian Groes told The Guardian the programme is a step backwards for equality.

"It's perpetuating the standard idea of a patriarchal society and normalising 'locker room culture' … that's been used to excuse a lot of bad behaviour from men. It's meant to be funny  so it's seen as harmless. But it's not. And we're teaching this to our kids."

But clinical psychologist Erla Heinesen Højsted disagrees, saying people are overthinking the show's message.

"The show depicts a man who is impulsive and not always in control, who makes mistakes  like kids do, but crucially, Dillermand always makes it right. He takes responsibility for his actions," she is quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"When a woman in the show tells him that he should keep his penis in his pants, for instance, he listens. Which is nice. He is accountable."

She says the show is "categorically not about sex" and to say it is is to project "adult" ideas on to it. 

DR, the public broadcaster responsible for John Dillermand, is known for pushing boundaries - other controversial characters include a pipesmoking, cursing sailor who refuses to bathe and a cross-dresser.