Lost in Translation RadioLIT

NB: After the interview, the interviewee noted that the term “internalised racism” was accidentally used. Instead, of the correct term is “embedded racism”.

Is blackfaced makeup racist? Uhm, yes?! So, why does the Danish media insist on debating whether it is?

Danish Christmas nostalgia has taken a hit. A 1997 Christmas special scheduled to be aired on TV2 was canceled due to one scene in particular, in which Danish children are seen portraying cream puffs (flødeboller), wearing blackface makeup and white gloves. Another Christmas remake is also receiving scrutiny over its portrayal of Greenlandic children. Are these examples of “hygge racism”, or is there more to it?

All signs point to the same issue: Although derogatory and racially motivated stereotypes remain deeply embedded in the language, literature and cultural mindset of Denmark, they are often assigned nostalgic value, thus becoming an inherent part of Danish humor and “being Danish”. With the act of decolonisation encouraging nations globally to rewrite the history books, why aren’t Denmark keeping up with the times?

In this episode, we talk to teacher Eja Klai, who holds a Masters in Educational Sociology, on the dissonance between Danish nostalgia and decolonisation in the 21st-century. We dive into the colonial past of the Danish Empire, go behind racial stereotypes and get really uncomfortable when we challenge our shared perceptions.

Denmark ranks top in the world for dental health. So, how come Danes have no issue making a bark, but very rarely take a bite?

In this episode, we sit down to discuss the decision by the Danish National Football Association (DBU) to not allow players to wear the One Love armband during matches at the World Cup in Qatar. At the most politically charged sporting event this year, who will lose out: Danish values or Danish fear of conflict?

And from Qatar to cavities, French dentist Louis-Marie Richard joins us to talk about the quality and price of dental care in Denmark. As lack of affordable dental care is leaving wide gaps in both teeth and in society untreated, we ask what can be done to make Danish dental crowns available to all.

This week’s episode was recorded on the day of the General Election.  The climate crisis is at the top of voters’ list of concerns, yet, covert xenophobia is driving the political discussion. We reflect on the past weeks’ mayhem and meet up with a first-time International voter to hear what the election signifies for her.   But first, an expensive sausage party needs our attention, as it turns out that 56.000 of tax payer’s money was used to serve hot dogs served at the opening of a new police station. And why is it called a pølsehorn and not “en varm hund”?

Even in the digitalized society of modern Denmark, voting cards are still printed and sent physically to your mailbox. The national mail delivery service, PostNord, is deploying an army of Danish Postman Pats to ensure voters receive their election slips in time for November 1st. However, Cam and Miriam remain skeptical.   Meanwhile, future prospects for the industrial sector seem grim. Fewer students are opting for vocational education, but Denmark is in desperate need of anything from blacksmiths to industrial engineers. More EU migrants could be an option, but will it work in the long term? Trade unions have a suggestion - but it could compromise students' freedom of choice.

Since he was suspended from his post as Head of the Danish Defence Intelligence Service in 2020, Lars Findsen has been in an ongoing fight with the State of Denmark. The State accuses him of sharing state secrets and compromising national security. Findsen claims innocence. And now, he’s published a book to share his ids elf the story.  Meanwhile, the Election campaigns continue. This week, the ongoing healthcare crisis and staff shortage mix with Foreign and Integration policies. What’s the take of the different parties on solving - or worsening - both?

The monarchy’s shrinking and Election time has begun. Something’s rotten in the state of Denmark.  Radio LIT is back with a new focus on news and developments in Denmark. Join us as we dive into the biggest headlines of the week and discuss the significance for Danes and Internationals alike.  This week, we discuss the Queen’s move to relieve her grandchildren of their royal titles and dive into the latest episode of Paradise Hotel: The Danish Election 2022. 



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