So the BBC is in hot water over giving the Dr Who job to a woman,
well it
seems to have its supporters too but lots of diehard complainers. They're also
getting a tough time about having all their top personality spots filled by
males and the pay inequalities between genders.
Now I am firmly in favour of everyone getting equal treatment and
remuneration, based on talent not cronyism and certainly
not gender bias, but I'm sure the 'political correctness machine' has
gone mad sometimes and organisations, employers, boards of governors etc feel
pressured to act in certain ways just to appease the idiot politicians who
dream up the rules. Even if it might mean making appointments which aren't
appropriate, as long as they tick the boxes.
I was talking with Linda from across the road about it the other day when P
came home. He caught what we were talking about and muttered 'disgusting' then
went into the kitchen to find a biscuit. He came back and I asked him what he
meant. He said, "Only joking, you were talking about Dr Who I believe, I
think a woman in the role is ok actually and I say that as one who has
watched it on and off since a kid. But that doesn't mean I think women should
automatically be considered for all roles just because of equal rights. They
should only be considered if the integrity of the character in
the story as conceived by its author is maintained."
I told him that was a mouth full. Linda nodded and asked him to
translate, I wished I'd said that.
He said, "Well for instance I don't think they should consider a woman
James Bond because it isn't in keeping with Ian Fleming's story, it was written
at a certain time and shouldn't be meddled with. But the Doctor is different
because his 'story' allows for him to regenerate in different guises
so why shouldn't one be a woman."
Linda argued, "But there were women spies and are now, why not
have a female Bond?"
"Not the same circumstances," maintained my husband. "They can't just go
re-writing the works of internationally acclaimed authors to pander
to current political correctness. I mean why not re-make Moby Dick next
time with a woman at the helm, or Jane Eyre with a man in the part or any
number of Shakespeare's characters with genders transposed? It's just not
on." Then he raised his eyebrows and smiled at Linda as if to say he rested his
case, then he turned and went upstairs without giving either of us a chance to
respond.
"He's not really a chauvinist," I assured Linda with a smile. I think she
knew, she's known us long enough, P does have an annoyingly crisp way
of saying things sometimes though.
At least we all agreed on Dr Who.
Have a fun weekend.
Ronnie
xx
