There is little doubt that fans were thrilled when Jodie Whittaker was first announced to take over as the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who. However, there are some who thought it was a bad idea. For instance, there's Conservative MP Nick Fletcher who went as far as to blame the female Doctor for rising criminal activities among young men in the UK today.
Fletcher recently lead a Parliamentary debate for International Men’s Day. In his comments, he pointed out that there is a lack of strong (and positive) male role models in TV shows and films because they are being replaced by women.
“Everywhere, not at least within the cultural sphere, there seems to be a call from a tiny, but very vocal minority that every male character or good role model must have a female replacement,” Fletcher said. “One only needs to look at the discussions about who will play the next James Bond—and it’s not just James Bond. In recent years we’ve seen Doctor Who, Ghostbusters, Luke Skywalker, the Equalizer, all replaced by women.”
Fletcher continued that “Men are left with the Krays and Tommy Shelby,” making a reference to the Tom Hardy movie Legend about the criminal twins Reggie and Ronnie Kray, and Peaky Blinders.
“Is there any wonder we are seeing so many young men committing crime?” he asked.
It's a curious point and one that people are not agreeing with right away. That has led to Fletcher being clowned by netizens and fans of the shows he mentioned. He, in turn, retaliated by explaining his comments on social media.
Let's say he's slightly correct by stating that young men need role models. However, that doesn't mean he's allowed to claim that new female characters have caused the decline in positive male role models.
Jodie Whittaker is still playing the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who Flux, the final season wherein she will portray the Time Lord. A new episode will air on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Related: Matt Smith Teases Possible Return for Doctor Who 60th Anniversary
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!