Greenland Crisis Has Danes Chuckling, in Their Own Way

Many Danes have turned to humor as they respond to an American proposal to take part of Greenland, a territory long tied to the Danish kingdom. Denmark’s leaders have replied with a firm diplomatic refusal, while ordinary citizens have used satire and mockery to express frustration and anxiety.

Small businesses and makers have produced jokey products — from orange “moron cakes” to satirical hats and needlepoint pincushions bearing the American president’s likeness — and downloads have surged for apps that help consumers avoid American-made goods. The apps scan labels and suggest local alternatives, offering a way for people to register a quiet protest.

Alongside the jokes, some Danes have taken more serious steps: veterans marched in Copenhagen in protest and the public broadcaster ran a guide for divesting from American technology. The mix of humor and activism reflects both irritation and a desire to regain a sense of control.

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