Doctor Who: Always Political, But Not By Accident

Science fiction has often been used as a platform to explore political and social issues. The iconic British science fiction show, Doctor Who, is no exception. Whether it is the Kirk/Uhura kiss in Star Trek or the Seventh Doctor's satirical take on Margaret Thatcher's government in Doctor Who, the show has never shied away from embedding political messages into its narrative. However, recent episodes, like the one centered on Rosa Parks, have brought this to a different level, sparking discussions about the balance between allegory and propaganda.

A Case in Point: The Rosa Parks Episode

The portrayal of Rosa Parks in an episode of Doctor Who has reignited debates about the show's political stance. While Rosa Parks is often remembered as a simple act of defiance—standing up for her rights to be treated as a human being—there's more to her story. Parks was not just any ordinary passenger on the bus; she was a trained investigator for the NAACP and had a personal and professional relationship with the bus driver. E.D. Nixon, the local NAACP chapter leader, had a specific agenda in mind when setting up the Rosa incident as a catalyst for a bus boycott. This boycott would eventually double the membership of the local "Whites Council" and only ended when the Supreme Court intervened in the case of Browder v. Gayle.

The Historical Context of Doctor Who's Political Episodes

The original concept of Doctor Who, back in 1963, was to provide an educational drama for children, teaching them about history, science, and moral issues. The Daleks, for instance, were always intended as a stand-in for racism, fascism, and nationalism. The Cybermen, initially based on fears of reliance on technology, became symbolic of the West's fear of communism. Even the Aztecs explored the ethical dilemmas of advanced societies intervening in the affairs of "primitive" ones.

Over the years, the show's educational aspect has taken a back seat, becoming less prominent in favor of pure entertainment. Nonetheless, the show has continued to address significant moral and societal issues. The Rosa Parks episode brought this focus back to the core of the story, making the moral dilemma more prominent instead of burying it behind adventure.

Other Political Episodes in Doctor Who

Here is a list of other Doctor Who episodes that can be considered politically charged, all of which have aired since the show's return in 2005:

The Long Game and Bad Wolf (2005): Examined the dangers of our increasing dependence on the media for entertainment and information. The Doctor Dances and Unicorn and the Wasp (2008): Briefly touched on the negative treatment of unmarried mothers in the first part of the 20th century. Utopia (2007): Can be read as a warning against the rise of powerful, charismatic political figures with unknown or nefarious goals. The Two-Part Sontaran Stratagem and Poison Sky (2008), and Gridlock (2006): Both explored the negative effects of air pollution. The Hungry Earth (2009): A warning against the dangers of deep drilling, especially without proper surveying methods. Kill the Moon (2014): Many viewed it as a metaphor for a woman's right to abortion, while others saw it as an exploration of the dark side. Dark Water (2014): Examined the relationship between the living and the dead, both in practical terms and more prosaically with how we deal with grief. The Ice (2015): Looked at how humans treat and mistreat animals. The Lie of the Land (2015): Explored how misinformation can alter public opinion, shaping reality.

In conclusion, while Doctor Who has always been a vehicle for exploring and commenting on political and social issues, it is important to strike a balance between entertainment and heavy-handed propaganda. The Rosa Parks episode brought the moral crux of the story to the forefront, rekindling the show's educational mission. As the show continues to evolve, viewers and critics alike will continue to debate the extent to which political messages should be woven into its fabric.