Collage: Christine Vierø Larsen. Originalfoto: Jens Dresling, Mads Nissen, Freepik

Both the king and the prime minister do it. Just like influencers, business leaders, and the country’s major sports stars.

A form of emotional incontinence has spread in the public sphere. But why do public figures suddenly cry on TV or openly talk about their private episodes of watery eyes? What do they risk by doing so? And why does mankind, as the only species on earth, shed emotional tears?

»Now I'm starting to howl again«

Collage: Christine Vierø Larsen. Originalfoto: Jens Dresling, Mads Nissen, Freepik
Listen to the article

Frederik had to wipe his eyes as he was proclaimed king on the balcony in January 2024.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (Socialdemokratiet, S) cried on live camera when she visited a mink farmer during the coronavirus pandemic, who had to put his entire stock to death.

Want to keep reading?

Politiken Edition is a curated collection of articles written by our journalists and translated into English. Stay informed on the news – through a Danish lens.

Subscribe now
Already a subscriber? Sign in
Briller

Most read

    1

  1. Demagogues, Islamophobes ... and a hooligan convicted of violence: Here are the leader of the Danish far right's global connections

    2. 2

  2. New study surprises: Chatbots put pressure on high-performing students

    3. 3

  3. We shop as cheaply as possible at the supermarket – and then we go out and buy a new car

    4. 4

  4. New restaurant is world-class within its genre

    5. 5

  5. Mother of murdered woman criticizes new Netflix documentary

    6. 6

  6. Woman behind the much-hyped bakery on her favorite place: »It’ll always be my go-to spot«

© All material on this page is subject to the applicable copyright law.Read policy