A cartoon of a man with a giant penis stirs controversy in Denmark

The show aimed at children aged 4 to 8 years is broadcast by Dr, the Danish state radio and television network.

In Denmark, the cartoon of a man with a giant penis has sparked a debate between detractors and supporters.  Danish state broadcaster Dr, has a show aimed at children aged 4 to 8, in which the main character, John Dillermand, uses his extraordinarily long genital organ to perform everyday actions such as lighting the barbecue and hoisting the flag.

The cartoon, which premiered over the weekend, was obviously divisive: there are those who applaud it and those who condemn it, fearing it may convey the wrong teaching for younger children. 

"Is this really the message we want to send to children while we are in the midst of a huge MeToo wave?" , wrote Danish author Anne Lise Marstrand-Jørgensen, as reported by the Guardian. 

John Dillermand plays tennis                                                                                  John Dillermand plays tennis

Of opposite opinion is Erla Heinesen Højsted, a clinical psychologist who works with families and children:"John Dillermand talks to the little ones, shares their way of thinking.  And children find genitals funny," said the psychologist, "The show depicts an impulsive man, who makes mistakes, as children do.  But most importantly, Dillermand always does the right thing.  He takes responsibility for his actions.  When a woman tells him he should keep his penis in his pants, for example, he listens.  He's responsible."

Diller means penis in Danish slang.  Dillermand, the protagonist's last name, can therefore be translated as "penis-man."  In the past, Dr already made unconventional choices for programs aimed at young children.  Cartoons with controversial protagonists have appeared on the network and have already come under attack from the most conservative parties.  This time, too, the criticism was sent right back to the sender: "The most important thing is that children like it," they have replied.

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