Jodie Whittaker Discusses Backlash as the First Female Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’: ‘Everyone’s Doctor… was a white man’

The announcement of Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor sparked a polarized response. While many fans celebrated the long-awaited diversification of the iconic sci-fi series, others expressed discontent, dismissing it as an example of “political correctness.”The sexist remarks directed at Whittaker were not only baseless but also emblematic of deeper societal issues.

When Whittaker premiered her tenure as the Doctor in 2018, she faced immense pressure; her performance was scrutinized not only as an individual but also as a representative for women in a traditionally male-dominated role. Reflecting on this experience in a recent interview with The Times, she remarked, “Everyone’s Doctor until then was a white man, ” emphasizing the rigid archetype that she was challenging.

Whittaker candidly expressed her apprehension, stating, “If Peter [Capaldi] hadn’t been good as the Doctor, it would only have reflected on him, whereas I felt that if I wasn’t very good at this, I’ve f***ed it for other actors.” This illustrates the disproportionate expectations that female actors often face compared to their male counterparts.

As Whittaker’s era progressed, the backlash against her portrayal intensified. Some critics pointed to flaws in writing and storytelling, redirecting their frustration toward the actress. Unfortunate plot choices in the series left many fans dissatisfied, providing a convenient scapegoat in Whittaker as the first female Doctor.

Fortunately, Whittaker managed to filter out much of the negativity.“I’m sure people wrote, ‘I hated your Doctor, ’ but because I go ‘la la la, ’ I’ve got such a false sense of who I am, ” she shared with The Times, reflecting her positive mindset amidst adversity.

Reevaluating the Role of the Doctor

A common critique directed at Whittaker was the notion that her role detracted from boys having a male role model. Previous Doctor Who star Peter Davison even echoed these sentiments, as he shared concerns about a potential loss of positive masculine figures in children’s media. This sentiment created division within the fan community, leading to responses from fellow Doctor Colin Baker, who challenged Davison’s viewpoint as “talking rubbish.”

To add to the irrational discourse, a Conservative MP controversially suggested that Whittaker’s portrayal was linked to rising crime rates among young men. Nick Fletcher ludicrously questioned whether the casting decision played a role in behavioral issues faced by teenage boys, blaming a hypothetical decline in male role models.

Whittaker has firmly opposed such narratives, stating, “It’s never been questioned that I had to look up to men.” She emphasized that the essence of the Doctor was not dictated by gender, affirming that she portrayed an alien life form, and her identity should not lessen her capability as a role model.

Whittaker’s experiences highlight the ongoing struggle for equality and representation within the Doctor Who fandom. As her tenure concludes, there is hope for a more supportive environment for future female actors stepping into this beloved role. The next woman to embody the Doctor is undoubtedly out there, ready to inspire a new generation.

Source & Images