COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AFP) — The everyday adventures of new Danish kids' TV character John Dillermand like walking the dog or going to the zoo might not look like the stuff of scandal — if the tales didn't often revolve around his oversized penis.
Even in one of the world's most progressive countries, the stories of the man with "the world's longest willy" have sparked debate about just what is appropriate for children in the program's target audience of 4- to 8-year-olds.
"We think it's important to be able to tell stories about bodies," public broadcaster DR posted on Facebook Tuesday.
"In the series, we recognize (young children's) growing curiosity about their bodies and genitals, as well as embarrassment and pleasure in the body."
Broadcast on kids' channel Ramasjang, the first of Dillermand's 13 episodes has already been watched 140,000 times since it was released on January 2.
His extra-long member is often key to the wacky situations in which he finds himself at one point floating over the city thanks to balloons tied to his tackle.
"It's a very Danish show. We have a tradition to push the limits and use humor and we think it's totally normal," education expert Sophie Munster told AFP.
With some members of the public posting outrage online, far-right MP Morten Messerschmidt attacked the show in a Facebook post.
"I don't think looking at adult men's genitalia should be turned into something normal for children. Is this what you call public service?" he fumed.
Munster argued however: "The debate is from an adult perspective, in which the long penis is sexualized. Children have a different perspective.
"The size of the penis is exaggerated so much, children realize it's a joke."
© Agence France-Presse
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.
