A new children’s television program from a Danish broadcaster has ignited a global conversation, not for its animation style or educational content, but for the rather prominent feature of its main character: an exceptionally long penis.
The show, titled “John Dillermand,” targets children aged four to eight and centers around the life of its namesake protagonist as he navigates everyday situations with his oversized appendage. Dillermand, whose surname is Danish slang for penis, finds himself in a series of comical predicaments and solutions, suggesting his distinctive attribute is neither entirely advantageous nor disadvantageous.
Scenes from the show depict John Dillermand utilizing his lengthy member in various scenarios. In one instance, he attempts to safely manage a barbecue from a distance using his penis, only to inadvertently set himself ablaze. Another scene portrays him walking neighborhood dogs, maintaining their leash control by dangling a sausage from – you guessed it – his own “sausage.”
Public broadcaster DR has commissioned 20 episodes of “John Dillermand,” with 13 currently available for online viewing. To preemptively address potential concerns, DR collaborated with a child psychologist to assess the show’s underlying message and its impact on young viewers.
However, despite these measures, “John Dillermand” has received a mixed reception, prompting widespread discussion about what constitutes appropriate content for children’s programming.
Child psychologist Magrethe Bruun Hansen, who reviewed the show’s script, emphasizes the importance of adopting a child’s perspective rather than an adult’s when evaluating the program. She suggests the show can be a source of comedic learning for children.
“Young children enjoy being naked and exploring their bodies. They engage in doctor play, examine each other, and find humor in ‘naughty’ words. Children erupt in laughter when they say ‘fart’ and ‘dillermand’,” Hansen explains. “John Dillermand taps into this very universe. My experience indicates that children will both laugh and learn from John Dillermand.”
Conversely, Morten Messerschmidt, a Member of the European Parliament from the far-right Danish People’s Party, voiced strong disapproval. In a Facebook post, he questioned the show’s appropriateness, stating, “I don’t believe that looking at adult men’s genitalia should be normalized for children. Is this what you consider public service?”
DR, however, remains steadfast in its confidence in the show, asserting that it aligns with children’s natural curiosity about their bodies and boundaries.
“The series is about having the courage to be oneself and to own one’s mistakes, and about striving for good – even when the fun, mischievous, and forbidden are much more tempting,” the broadcaster stated. “Simultaneously, the series acknowledges children’s emerging curiosity about the body – including the embarrassment and amusement associated with the body – which is captivating for the precise age group Ramasjang (the DR children’s channel) targets.”
“At this age, children are intensely curious about what they are not supposed to do, which serves as the foundation for the entire series,” DR concluded.
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