Danish News in Brief: Facebook makes you afraid of terror

In other news, the fear of the future continues, whether it’s of multiculturalism, religious preachers or the inevitability of a secular society

Four upper-secondary school students have been confirmed as the overall winners of the research prize Projekt Forskerspirer 2017 for their work on establishing a link between Facebook consumption and the fear of terror.

Their eight-month study established that young people treat Facebook as their primary source of news, and that ‘local’ comments on national or international stories tends to bring the threat of terror into their domain.

The award is a nationwide initiative backed by the education minister, Søren Pind, and the University of Copenhagen.

Cabaret show accused of racist stereotypes
A cabaret show in North Funen is under fire after a poster promoting the show contained images that many felt used racist stereotypes. Scheduled to run at the Tornøes Hotel from May 27 to July 7, Kerteminderevyen’s promo photo features four actors, of which three have been made up to look Native American, Afro-American (wearing a banana dress made popular by 1920s star Josephine Baker) and Oriental. Just in case nobody knows who to complain to, the poster also features a long list of sponsors, and according to Fyens Stiftstidende, some 60 people have signed a letter sent to 10 of them. However, Kerteminderevyen head Mads Nørby contends the photo is simply depicting the stereotypes that the show will explore.

Hilary reflects on another failure (photo: Kerteminderevyen Facebook page)

Outrage as school discontinues Christmas service
Danish PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen has waded into a row involving his old school, Gribskolen in north Zealand, where he spent ten years as a child before leaving at the age of 16. The school has decided that students no longer have to attend a traditional Christmas service held at the local church, and it would appear that the PM’s intervention has opened the floodgates for other MPs to comment – a lot, as it turns out. “Ashamed”, “grotesque”, “lack of common self-esteem”, “completely wrong”, “completely insane” – politicians from parties such as Dansk Folkeparti, Liberal Alliance and Konservative were not holding back, bemoaning the effect of multiculturalism on Danish traditions, but paying less attention to how religion is not a compulsory part of the national curriculum.

Another preacher added to banned list
The Saudi preacher Abdullah bin Radi Almoaede Alshammary has been added to a list of religious preachers banned by Denmark. He will accordingly be unable to enter the country until 12 December 2019, and he is the 11th preacher to be added to a list inaugurated in May. Additions nine and ten, Ismail al-Wahwah (Australia) and Alparslan Kuytul (Turkey), were added to the list on August 23.

TOP STORIES

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs