Anghus Houvouras on the online furore over the next Doctor Who…
Doctor Who is a legendary science fiction institution. One with a rich history and mythology that has created fans across multiple generations. The casting of ‘The Next Doctor’ has always been a subject of interest, but in recent years the internet has turned it into a major ordeal as fans wait to hear who will be the next wielder of the sonic screwdriver… the next time spanning pilot of the TARDIS… the next person to wear a dapper trench coat and maybe a garish scarf.
We learned today that the next Doctor will be the first to not have a penis. The casting of Jodie Whittaker has set the internet ablaze in a frenzy of YAYS and BOOS. There are several camps. The first are those happy to hear that a woman has been cast in a role traditionally held by men whereas the women have been relegated to ‘companions’ aka the second class citizens of science fiction.
I WILL NEVER SHUT UP ABOUT THIS I AM SO HAPPY #DoctorWho13 pic.twitter.com/ALREm7cZ9i
— meg♡ (@astudyintennant) July 16, 2017
The second camp is angry Doctor Who purists who believe that testicles are required for time travel.
Looks like im not watching Dr who anymore #doctor13
— Robson (@robsongrant98) July 16, 2017
Then there’s the third camp who is not only happy about the casting of Jodie Whittaker but using this news to proudly taunt the patriarchy.
? PROTECT THIS PRECIOUS TIME LADY FROM SILLY LITTLE MISOGYNISTS AND THEIR FRAGILE MASCULINITY 2KFOREVER#DOCTORWHO13 pic.twitter.com/X5PVQMrXXd
— ? Karlpaldi ? (@CosmicWhoNerd) July 16, 2017
There are even those who think simply casting a Caucasian woman wasn’t bold enough.
Re: Jodie Whitaker as Doctor Who – Casting a white woman was too safe. Where is the transgender handicapable Doctor of color?
— anghus (@AnghusFM) July 16, 2017
These are polarizing times we live in. Even our science fiction has been dragged into the infinite brutality of the internet. Why wait to see how Jodie Whittaker does in the role when we can argue over the casting choice and nine seconds of promotional footage like two badgers placed into a bag filled with crystal meth?
I look forward to the next six to eight weeks of baseless bile-spewing, eye gouging arguments from people taking a simple casting announcement for a British sci-fi program with the rage and indignation it deserves.
SEE ALSO: Why Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor Is the Hero We Need Right Now
Anghus Houvouras
Originally published July 16, 2017. Updated November 21, 2019.
