Doctor Who Racist? BBC Responds To Racism Allegations As 50th Anniversary Approaches
Doctor Who is many things to many people. The long running sci-fi serial runs the gamut from object of derision to outsiders to borderline religion to some of its faithful watchers (frequently called Whovians). However, as the 50th anniversary approaches a few intellectuals have found something else that the Time Lord's adventures might be. In "Doctor Who and Race," and anthology edited by Dr. Lindy Orthia, readers are forced to ask "Is Doctor Who racist?" Though the book will not hit shelves until August 15, 2013, the BBC has already responded to allegations of racism on behalf of one of their most beloved properties.
"Doctor Who has a strong track record of diverse casting among both regular and guest cast.Freema Agyeman became the first black companion and Noel Clarke starred in a major role for five years," said a BBC spokesperson. "Reflecting the diversity of the UK is a duty of the BBC, and casting on Doctor Who is color-blind. It is always about the best actors for the roles."
According to Digital Spy, the book claims DW is "racist for failing to cast a black or Asian actor as the Time Lord and accuses the title character of being dismissive of black companions."
Editor Lindy Orthia has in turn responded to the controversy via a post on her website titled "DOCTOR WHO AND RACE - DON'T JUDGE TILL IT'S PUBLISHED"
"I don't particularly want to talk about the book in depth until it is published," Orthia said. "I prefer discussion and debate to be based on facts not hearsay, so I would like to talk about it once people have had a chance to read it."
For a more in-depth look at the topics the book addresses, check out the abstracts here.