
On Sunday, the actor cast to be the Thirteenth Doctor in the popular BBC sci-fi series, Doctor Who, was revealed to be JodieWhittaker.
Meet the Thirteenth Doctor #DoctorWho #Doctor13 https://t.co/txHGz9tJEe— Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks (@Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks) 1500218894
Most people were pretty delighted:
@bbcdoctorwho Still not ginger, though— Jonathan McDowell (@Jonathan McDowell) 1500222958
However, there were some people who didn't take kindly to a female Doctor:
@TCB_TheAdvocate @bbcdoctorwho No one cares Tim— TechnicallyRon (@TechnicallyRon) 1500219198
To the extent that the BBC had to issue a response to complaints:
The reply in full, read:
Since the first Doctor regenerated back in 1966, the concept of the Doctor as a constantly evolving being has been central to the programme. The continual input of fresh ideas and new voices across the cast and the writing and production teams has been key to the longevity of the series.
The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender.
As the Controller of BBC Drama has said, Jodie is not just a talented actor but she has a bold and brilliant vision for her Doctor. She aced it in her audition both technically and with the powerful female life force she brings to the role. She is destined to be an utterly iconic Doctor.
We hope viewers will enjoy what we have in store for the continuation of the story.
Imagine having to write that statement in response to people who can't let go of their gender fixation with the main character of a children's show.
Sorry, a family show.
On the positive side, a recent bit of research discovered 80 per cent of the responses to the news on social media were positive:
'Doctor' has no gender in English.— Merriam-Webster (@Merriam-Webster) 1500311708
My daughter watching the #DoctorWho announcement. #doctor13 #DoctorWho13 https://t.co/eX0w1rW4E9— Jenny (@Jenny) 1500220629
My entire TL right now #doctor13 https://t.co/PcUmsdf0qo— Maryne. 🍊 #criticalrolespoilers (@Maryne. 🍊 #criticalrolespoilers) 1500219513
So it's a victory for the whiny PC generation - ie. 80 per cent of the online fanbase.