It can be easy to wax poetic about the ways in which Doctor Who shows us how to be tolerant of those who are different and the heartache that follows when people think only of themselves. Like Star Trek has traditionally done on this side of the Pond, our show often serves to promote understanding among people of different backgrounds and make us think critically about our common assumptions.
Maybe that’s one reason it makes me sad to realize how homogeneous its characters are.
Think about it. How many characters have been people of color (that is, colors other than green!)? Or people with demonstrably other-than-heterosexual orientations (or any other minority identity one could name)? Of those, how many were major players? We’ve only had one Companion (or two, if you count Mickey, which I really don’t) who was a POC. Granted, now and then there’s a one-off POC character (like Rita in The God Complex or Nasreen in The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood), but they don’t stick around. Similarly, no one but Captain Jack is blatantly “omnisexual.” (I know Moffat’s stated that River is bi, but the fact that he had to tell us means she’s not represented that way on screen.) And given the demographics of the UK (because, let’s be honest, as a British show, it’s going to reflect British culture), you’d think there would be more POC/non-heteronormative/etc. characters even among the extras.
I’m sure people will argue this point with me. We could certainly get into the whole “product of its time” debate that always swirls around serials like Tomb of the Cybermen and The Talons of Weng-Chiang. But the point I’m trying to make is that I want Who to be better than that. Maybe it’s too much to ask, that it be more progressive than other shows around it (and lord knows it has its share of problems). But given the way the Doctor views the universe—every creature is “beautiful!”, every individual important—it seems like the show should reflect his attitude.
I feel like I’ve been doing little more than complain of late—perhaps I’m just being overly melancholy in the face of upcoming surgery (which will be well past once this posts)—but I really do love Who. Maybe I’ve just reached the adolescence of my fandom, when I become disillusioned, having realized that everything I’d previously held in esteem is no more infallible than I. Hopefully someday I’ll come to terms with that reality, and be able to love and respect it unconditionally, even when we disagree.
What more can one wish to get from a loving relationship?
Yep
I would love to see more diversity in DW. However, I tend to think it goes a bit deeper than just lack of physical diversity. The dynamics have started to actually bore me. Despite sincerely liking Coleman, Clara bores me to tears simply because we’ve had the spunky/quirky miracle mystery girl with a thing for the Doctor since the reboot in 2005. There have been add-ons or slight shifts, but that’s been the main relationship the show explores and it’s wearing a bit thin. For me, at least.
With the notable exception of Donna, the companions have all openly fancied the Doctor. With the notable exception of Martha, they have all been traumatically taken from him. Almost clockwork at this point. I’ve heard the arguments about audience identification and don’t really believe them considering the incredible variety of characters with which I, and other I know, have identified.
I suppose what I’m rambling around is my fear that any attempt to diversify the show without it branching out storywise, at least in relationship dynamics, would come off as forced and cosmetic, at best. I want those ‘other’ characters, but I want to love them as people. Even if River had kissed a girl on screen, it wouldn’t be the same as actually having it be part of who she is because she is in love with the Doctor. I want to see a companion that thinks about betraying the Doctor because of his part in the Time War, or that wants to protect him as a matter of honor, or is a coward, etc, etc. Something with potential growth we haven’t seen before would be nice and open possibilities for more people of diverse backgrounds in the TARDIS.
Just my two cents.
Amen!
Yes, yes, yes!!! I've made a very similar argument before (especially re: Clara, even before we'd seen her). The diversity currently missing in the show is both superficial and substantial. It's one reason I'm ready to see Moffat move on, as a new "showrunner" will undoubtedly bring their own style to the screen, and we've seen Moffat's so often now it's sadly predictable.
And I absolutely concur that bringing superficial diversity without any of the accompanying substantial underpinnings would be effectively useless. So thank you for articulating all this than I was able to do at the time. 🙂
It Takes Time
I guess it takes time. I prefer to look at it in this way: as you mentioned, Captain Jack was openly omnisexual, and we’ve had the following take place:
– Jenny and Vastra live in Victorian England as a couple – a lizard (I know, green), but still two females!
– Josh and alternate Mickey (Ricky) were a couple
Well, afer writing that, they are quite few. I thought I would have more examples. Huh.
However, Torchwood, the spin-off, did do much better.
I suppose that “it takes time” is not a proper justification or anything, but I can’t imagine an American equivalent like Batman or Superman being quite as progressive, to be honest. Superman working with a homosexual/alien group of detectives? Certain Americans would be protesting in the streets!!
I think Britain is at least more progressive than that. I do agree that all these young girls have been star-stuck by the Doctor and I am sick of that! Somehow, with Peter Capaldi, I think that might stop for a bit…I think the dynamic might change. 🙂 Not that it couldn’t happen – he’s an attractive man, but I think it the age difference might inhibit it.
Time Is of the Essence
Yes, I know nothing will happen overnight, and British shows are generally less uptight than American ones (broad generalization!). The more we’re aware of it, though, perhaps the sooner the change can happen.