Doctor Who Tackles Racism: Shocking Moments in Miami’s Segregated Past!

In this rephrased version, let me say that the most recent episode of Doctor Who took us on a journey through Earth’s past, where our heroes had to confront and grapple with issues like segregation and racial prejudice.

In the episode “Lux”, instead of being able to bring companion Belinda (Varada Sethu) back to her home in the year 2025, the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) decided to make an unexpected stop in Miami, during the year 1952.

They entered the TARDIS wardrobe, donned their outfits, yet discovered the vicinity around the nearby movie theater was eerily empty.

Initially, the Doctor regrets that no one is around to appreciate their fashionable outfits, but then he glances at his hand and decides it would be prudent for them to avoid drawing attention in 1952.

The duo probes the enigma surrounding the cinema, whose entrances are secured tightly with chains as if imprisoning a ferocious animal, and attempts to uncover clues at the nearby eatery.

In this interaction, Belinda appears puzzled until the Doctor clarifies that in 1952 Miami, the diner is racially segregated, meaning both whites and Blacks, including Belinda, are not allowed. Our presence here is against the law.

Inside the cinema, the duo encounters more discrimination when a fictional police officer (created by Lux Imperator’s power) informs them: “This area is primarily for Caucasian individuals. I must admit, customs may differ from the Caribbean, but here, things work differently.

Belinda finds both occurrences of racism utterly disgusting, and she’s equally disturbed by the Doctor’s advice to suppress her indignation and save it for a later time.

“I have toppled worlds,” he tells her. “Sometimes, I wait for people to topple their world.”

With a grin, he adds: “Until then, I live in it and I shine.”

In the previous episode last year titled Dot and Bubble, the character Doctor Who delved into the topic of discrimination. The story concluded with Lindy Pepper-Bean, portrayed by Callie Cooke, and her prejudiced associates choosing to confront almost certain demise instead of accepting aid from the Doctor.

For the first time, Lux explores biased opinions towards physical appearances, particularly focusing on the Fifteenth Doctor, in the context of Earth’s society.

In a groundbreaking move, “Doctor” and “Belinda,” portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu, mark the first instance of a dual lead role held by actors of color in the past 62 years on this show.

In simpler terms, Gatwa stated that this refers to advancement or development, specifically reflecting the cultures and communities where we reside.

As a passionate admirer, I must say, the power of media never ceases to amaze me, and it’s truly in action right now. Yet, what fills me with anticipation is envisioning a future where having non-white leads becomes as commonplace as a sunrise, instead of making headlines.

Sethu mirrored her fellow actor’s sentiments, expressing: “When there’s no need for discussion on the topic – and each action that brings us one step nearer to that day I believe is fantastic.

In simpler terms, Russell T Davies – the showrunner and writer for Doctor Who, as well as Lux – believes that diverse representations on screen aren’t a deliberate choice made by the production team; rather, they are mirroring the diverse world around us.

He mentioned, “It’s much like taking a breath – it’s simply living.” Essentially, he was comparing it to stepping outside your front door and encountering the world. There’s nothing extraordinary or unique about that moment, but there’s a certain importance in opening that door and revealing the world, and then you find yourself on television…

“You feel visible, you feel seen. And that’s a better day. That’s a wonderful thing to do.”

The Doctor’s latest adventure resumes this coming Saturday, April 26th, at 7:20 pm on BBC One within the UK. Starting from 8 am on Saturdays, you can catch new episodes on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom. For those outside of the UK, the series will be accessible on Disney+.

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2025-04-19 12:11