The Whoniverse is facing backlash over its perceived political agenda, with some critics accusing the show of promoting diversity and inclusivity. But does this criticism come from a place of intolerance or ignorance?
A Message from Russell T Davies: We’re Not Afraid of Criticism
The long-running BBC sci-fi show returned last week with Ncuti Gatwa reprising his role as the Doctor alongside newcomer Varada Sethu as the latest companion, marking a significant shift in diversity.
First broadcast in 1963, Doctor Who is a British science fiction television program produced by the BBC.
The show follows the adventures of a time-traveling alien known as 'the Doctor', who explores the universe and saves civilizations from various threats.
With over 800 episodes and 13 regenerations, it has become a beloved institution in British popular culture.
The show's unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and humor has made it a global phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base spanning decades.
The Power of Diversity and Inclusion
For us, diversity is not just about representation; it’s about creating an open door where everyone can feel welcome. Russell T Davies, the show’s new boss, explained this idea on BBC Radio 2: ‘Someone always brings up matters of diversity. And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues.‘ Davies countered that he has no time for these complaints, saying, ‘I don’t have a second to bear [it]. Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.’
Diversity refers to the presence of different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds within a society.
It encompasses various aspects, including racial diversity, gender diversity, age diversity, and cultural diversity.
Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative, productive, and successful in achieving their goals.
In fact, companies with diverse workforces tend to outperform those without it.
According to a McKinsey report, companies with diverse leadership teams experience 35% higher earnings than those without.
Writing from the Heart
Davies also discussed his approach to writing, stating, ‘Why limit yourself? Why breathe in the exhaust fumes? Why be toxic? Come over here where the life and light and air and sound is.’ This philosophy reflects his desire to create a show that is inclusive and progressive. He believes that by not limiting himself to narrow references, he can write more authentic and engaging stories.
A New Era for Doctor Who
The new series marks a significant shift in diversity, with Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu as the latest companions. Sethu recently addressed claims around the show’s perceived ‘wokeness,’ suggesting that meant it was on the right track. She explained that ‘woke’ simply means inclusive, progressive, and caring about people. This approach aligns with the core values of Doctor Who, which is centered around kindness, love, and doing the right thing.
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series produced by the BBC.
First broadcast in 1963, it is the longest-running British sci-fi show and one of the most popular television programs in the world.
The series follows the adventures of a Time Lord, known as 'The Doctor,' who travels through time and space in his TARDIS, saving civilizations and battling alien threats.
With over 50 years of history, numerous actors have played the role of the Doctor, including William Hartnell, Tom Baker, and David Tennant.
A Step Towards Progress
Gatwa echoed Sethu’s sentiments, stating that their collaboration represented ‘progress, in terms of how we reflect the societies that we live in.’ He also expressed excitement about a future where having non-white leads isn’t something extraordinary. This sentiment reflects the show’s commitment to reflecting the world around us and creating a more inclusive media landscape.
The Future of Doctor Who
As the show enters its new era, it’s essential to acknowledge both the progress made and the challenges ahead. With unconfirmed reports suggesting Gatwa may leave and the show facing potential axe, the BBC has assured that any decision on a new series will be made after the current one ends. Despite these uncertainties, Doctor Who remains committed to its core values of kindness, love, and doing the right thing.
A Legacy of Kindness
Doctor Who has been a beloved institution since 1963, with a rich history of innovation and progress. From introducing Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor in 2017 to now featuring non-white leads, the show has consistently pushed boundaries. As Russell T Davies puts it, ‘That’s something incredible that media can do, and that’s what it’s doing.‘
