In a groundbreaking twist for the iconic British series Doctor Who, the role of the Doctor has been taken on by a woman for the first time. Jodie Whittaker has been announced as the 13th incarnation of the Time Lord, and the internet’s reaction has been nothing short of chaotic.
Throughout its long history, Doctor Who has seen 12 different actors portray the Doctor, a time-traveling alien from the planet Gallifrey who travels the universe in a time-bending spaceship known as the TARDIS. While the show’s premise has always been embraced, the idea of a female Doctor has sent some internet users into a tailspin. “I don’t watch the show, but a time-traveling alien who navigates the cosmos in a police box should definitely be a man,” one commenter stated. Really?
The internet often reacts in strange ways when women are cast in prominent roles within sci-fi franchises. It seems that for some, the sight of a woman in a traditionally male role is simply too much to handle. This kind of backlash is not new; Leslie Jones faced severe trolling after her role in the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, leading to her deleting her Twitter account.
Nonetheless, the majority of online voices are celebrating this historic moment. As one source explains, “Twelve actors have headlined the series as the Doctor. The transition from one actor to another is woven into the fabric of the show through regeneration, a concept introduced in 1966 to allow the series to continue after the original lead, William Hartnell, fell ill.” This regeneration enables the Doctor to take on new traits, personalities, and yes, even genders.
While I may not have watched Doctor Who, anything that sends a wave of indignation through a group of misogynist trolls is worth celebrating! For those interested in exploring other fascinating topics, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys, which discusses options like the artificial insemination kit here: Couples’ Fertility Journey. Moreover, for a deeper understanding of pregnancy and home insemination techniques, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, the announcement of a female Doctor Who has sparked a passionate response online, showcasing how cultural shifts can provoke both celebration and outrage. Embracing change, especially in beloved franchises, is essential for progress in storytelling.