Why Doctor Who's 'Wokeness' is Essential for Every Sci-Fi Fan to Embrace!

As a devoted cinephile, I find myself observing that roughly every few months, there’s a stir concerning the alleged “wokeness” of Doctor Who allegedly ruining the series.

According to recent reports, the popular sci-fi series “Doctor Who,” produced by Russell T Davies, has allegedly been put on hold, attributed in part to decreasing viewership due to fan backlash over ambiguous storylines that some viewers perceive as “woke.” However, the BBC has refuted this claim, confirming that “Doctor Who” has not been canceled.

It’s worth noting that the claim that “wokeness” has destroyed the appeal of Doctor Who is quite repetitive, unimaginative, and simplistic. This argument lacks logic because while Doctor Who may have its flaws, “wokeness” is not among them. Instead, it might be more productive to focus on discussing the genuine issues that the show faces.

Initially, it’s crucial that we clarify our terminology for a better understanding. The term “woke” has undergone significant transformation in recent times, often carrying a negative tone when used to describe individuals perceived as excessively sensitive about political and social matters. However, at its core, being “woke” signifies a state of being informed, vigilant, and attentive, especially concerning social and racial inequalities.

Considering the definition, it’s hardly surprising that one might conclude Doctor Who has consistently embodied a forward-thinking or “woke” approach since its beginning. To reiterate for those who may be in the rear, the series has always portrayed the Doctor battling against oppressive systems and tyranny, and it has consistently mirrored contemporary culture. Numerous storylines, both from classic and contemporary Doctor Who, have tackled topics such as poverty, malevolent empires, capitalist excesses, among others.

The show has consistently shown progressiveness and inclusivity, being forward-thinking for its era (it’s worth noting that it was created by a visionary woman before her time, and originally helmed by a trailblazing gay director).

Indeed, the criticism directed at Doctor Who has frequently illustrated the importance of its diversity and representation. For instance, the sexism that arose when Jodie Whittaker became the Doctor underscores the need for a female lead. The racial prejudice experienced by Ncuti Gatwa as the first permanent Black Doctor was unfortunately predictable, emphasizing the necessity of his presence. Similarly, the homophobic backlash against the gay kiss in Rogue (though not the first same-sex moment in the series) served as a clear reminder of why such representation is vital.

As society evolves (or devolves), the Doctor Who series should and will continue to serve as a reflection of this change. Being a longstanding icon in the science fiction genre, the show has consistently been forward-thinking, or “woke,” which allows it to reflect our society back at us – otherwise, its purpose would seem questionable.

Science fiction, in essence, carries an obligation to reflect society, to critique it, and to offer alternative perspectives. The charm of science fiction lies in the opportunity to momentarily step away from reality and immerse ourselves in different realms, epochs, or civilizations. This journey allows us to revisit our own world, our culture, and our society with fresh eyes.

Indeed, it implies that even your preferred science fiction work, whether it’s a book, TV series, movie, or franchise, carries the label of being “aware” or “woke”. These narratives delve into themes such as colonialism and war, gender and LGBTQ+ matters, capitalism and corporate greed, technology and artificial intelligence. Essentially, they need to reflect our culture to shed light on human nature and society, a characteristic that is inherent to them.

1. Have you ever thought about the legendary science fiction novels such as Dune, The Left Hand of Darkness, and Brave New World? They’re still very relevant today! Modern classics like Ender’s Game, Lilith’s Brood, and Leviathan Wakes also fall into this category. Iconic science fiction TV shows and movies like Star Trek and Star Wars are timeless, as are YA dystopian franchises like The Hunger Games and Divergent. And let’s not forget about contemporary sci-fi hits like Black Mirror and Severance – they’re just as relevant in today’s world!

2. Are you familiar with the classic science fiction novels such as Dune, The Left Hand of Darkness, and Brave New World? They’ve stood the test of time and remain important today! Modern classics like Ender’s Game, Lilith’s Brood, and Leviathan Wakes share this distinction. Iconic franchises such as Star Trek and Star Wars, YA dystopian series like The Hunger Games and Divergent, and contemporary hits like Black Mirror and Severance are all still very much part of the cultural conversation!

3. Have you ever considered the timeless appeal of science fiction novels like Dune, The Left Hand of Darkness, and Brave New World? They’re as relevant today as they were when they were first published! Similarly, modern classics such as Ender’s Game, Lilith’s Brood, and Leviathan Wakes continue to resonate with readers. Iconic franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars, YA dystopian series like The Hunger Games and Divergent, and contemporary hits like Black Mirror and Severance all have something to say about our world today!

4. Have you ever pondered the enduring popularity of science fiction novels such as Dune, The Left Hand of Darkness, and Brave New World? They’re still incredibly relevant in today’s society! Similarly, modern classics like Ender’s Game, Lilith’s Brood, and Leviathan Wakes continue to captivate readers. Iconic franchises such as Star Trek and Star Wars, YA dystopian series like The Hunger Games and Divergent, and contemporary hits like Black Mirror and Severance all offer insight into our world today!

5. Have you ever wondered about the lasting impact of science fiction novels like Dune, The Left Hand of Darkness, and Brave New World? They’re still incredibly influential in today’s culture! Similarly, modern classics such as Ender’s Game, Lilith’s Brood, and Leviathan Wakes continue to shape the genre. Iconic franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars, YA dystopian series like The Hunger Games and Divergent, and contemporary hits like Black Mirror and Severance all have left a lasting mark on our society!

However, other science fiction series aren’t often accused of being “woke” as much as Doctor Who. Here’s a possible explanation for this phenomenon: The show is under particularly intense scrutiny, making it an easy target for criticism that may not be leveled at other franchises with less public attention.

Using ‘wokeness’ as a scapegoat makes it easier to explain less-than-perfect writing in Doctor Who, minor dips in viewership, speculation about ending partnerships with Disney, and other similar issues.

However, even if Doctor Who has some sloppy writing at times, experiences a slight dip in ratings, and potentially ends its deal with Disney, it won’t be due to factors such as Gatwa wearing a skirt in one scene, the Doctor kissing a man, or the presence of a transgender character in the series.

The aspect that is frequently criticized as a weakness in Doctor Who is actually its greatest asset. Its ability to mirror our culture and be so forward-thinking and welcoming has been key to its longevity – as it has resonated with millions of people worldwide, providing them with a sense of belonging.

It’s quite possible that Doctor Who might require a pause at some point in its journey – there have been instances in the past when this was necessary. Rest assured, even if such a break occurs, it won’t lead to the universe collapsing. On the contrary, as we saw last time, it often results in the show returning more powerful than before.

However, should such an event occur, those anticipating the removal of “woke” content may find themselves quite surprised instead.

2025-02-18 19:41

Why Doctor Who’s ‘Wokeness’ is Essential for Every Sci-Fi Fan to Embrace!

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