The casting of a man of South Asian descent as Isaac Newton in Doctor Who has sparked significant debate and reaction.[i] Some view this as a positive example of colour-blind casting, reflecting a more diverse and inclusive approach to storytelling. However, others have criticised the decision, citing concerns about historical accuracy and the portrayal of a real historical figure.[ii] The response has been mixed, with some expressing outrage and others defending the creative choice.[iii] The significance of this casting lies in the ongoing conversation about representation, diversity, and the portrayal of historical figures in the media.[iv],[v]
The public response has been mixed.[vi] Some conservatives have expressed outrage, with comments about historical revisionism and cultural appropriation, while others have ridiculed the complaints and supported the show’s creative choices.[vii] The episode has sparked debate about representation and diversity in media.[viii] The response reflects a broader cultural conversation about the portrayal of historical figures and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in storytelling.[ix],[x] How do we make sense of this trend in social representation? How can we make sense of what is being played out in popular culture in relation to identity and the malleability of the iconography that underpins the established symbolic order?
Iconotypes and Archetypes
Iconotypes are a concept in art history and theory that refer to a set of visual characteristics, symbols, or motifs that are repeatedly used in artworks to represent certain subjects, themes, or ideas. These Iconotypes become a sort of visual shorthand or archetype, instantly recognisable to viewers familiar with the cultural context in which the art was created. The use of Iconotypes is important in understanding changes in artistic representation for several reasons:
- Cultural and Historical Context: Iconotypes are often deeply rooted in the cultural, religious, and historical context of the time in which they were created. They reflect the values, beliefs, and knowledge of that period. As these contexts change over time, so to do the iconotypes, leading to changes in artistic representation.
- Symbolic and Narrative Functions: Artists use iconotypes to convey specific meanings or tell stories in a concise and effective way. Changes in iconotypes can indicate shifts in what is considered important or worthy of depiction in art, reflecting broader social and cultural changes.
- Artistic Conventions and Styles: The evolution of iconotypes is often linked to broader changes in artistic styles and conventions. For example, the shift from the highly stylised forms of medieval art to the more naturalistic representations in Renaissance art involved changes in the iconotypes used to depict religious figures, landscapes, and other common subjects.
- Influence of Technology and Materials: Changes in artistic representation, including the use of iconotypes, can also be driven by advancements in technology and the availability of new materials. For example, the development of oil painting in the Renaissance allowed for more detailed and realistic representations, influencing the iconotypes of the time.
- Cross-cultural Influences: The exchange of artistic ideas and techniques across different cultures can lead to the adoption, adaptation, or abandonment of certain iconotypes, reflecting the dynamic nature of cultural interactions.
Iconotypes are a useful tool in understanding the evolution of artistic representation. They provide insights into the cultural, historical, and technological contexts of art, and help explain why certain visual elements persist, change, or disappear over time. The Iconotypes of Doctor Who include the “DW” icon representing the shape of the TARDIS, which is the time machine and spacecraft used by the Doctor, as well as iconic characters such as the Daleks, which are often associated with the show.[xi],[xii] The Doctor himself is also a central Iconotypes, portrayed by various actors and known for the catchphrase “Doctor who?” which has been a running joke throughout the series.[xiii]
When established iconotypes are displaced, however, in the realm of art and visual representation, it marks a significant shift in the cultural, social, or artistic landscape. This displacement can happen for various reasons and has several implications:
- Cultural and Ideological Shifts: Displacement of established iconotypes often reflects broader cultural and ideological changes. For instance, during periods of social upheaval or political change, existing symbols and motifs might be rejected or replaced as part of a wider rejection of the status quo. This can be seen in art movements that emerge in response to political revolutions or social reforms.
- Evolution of Artistic Styles: In the history of art, the displacement of iconotypes is frequently linked to the evolution of new artistic styles and movements. For example, the move from Renaissance realism to the abstract representations of Modernism entailed a significant shift in iconotypes, with artists seeking new ways to express reality and human experience.
- Technological Advances: Technological innovations can also lead to the displacement of iconotypes. The advent of photography in the 19th century, for instance, challenged artists to move beyond realistic representation, which could be more accurately achieved through photographs, leading to the exploration of new styles and themes in painting.
- Globalisation and Cross-Cultural Influences: In an increasingly interconnected world, the exposure to and exchange of ideas and aesthetics from different cultures can displace traditional iconotypes. Artists may adopt or adapt elements from other cultures, leading to a fusion of styles and the creation of new visual languages.
- Psychological and Philosophical Changes: Shifts in philosophical and psychological thought can also influence the displacement of iconotypes. For example, the interest in the subconscious and dream imagery in Surrealism led to the creation of new, often bizarre and irrational iconotypes.
- Audience and Reception: The displacement of iconotypes also affects how art is received and interpreted by audiences. New iconotypes may initially be met with resistance or confusion, as they challenge established ways of seeing and understanding art. Over time, however, they can become accepted and even iconic in their own right.
In essence, the displacement of established iconotypes is a dynamic and multifaceted process. It reflects and contributes to changes in societal values, artistic expressions, and ways of seeing the world. This displacement is not just about the decline or disappearance of certain visual elements, but also about the birth and emergence of new forms of expression, symbolising the ever-evolving nature of human culture and creativity.
Archetypes
The narrative roles most associated with Doctor Who include the creation of a male hero archetype which remained consistent despite the shifting archetypes in the early series, and the archetypes of the Doctor’s companions.[xiv],[xv] The show is known for subverting and disrupting existing archetypes, and the Doctor has been associated with various archetypes such as the mysterious trickster, cosmic hobo, secret agent, bohemian alien, and others, but these have remained within the overall masculine archetype.[xvi] Additionally, the show has been analysed in the context of the hero’s journey, with the Doctor embodying various stages of the monomyth, such as the hero as warrior, lover, and emperor.[xvii],[xviii]
The character of Doctor Who can be considered a masculine archetype in several ways. Throughout the show’s history, the Doctor has been portrayed by various actors, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the role.[xix] Some of these portrayals have embodied archetypes such as the mysterious trickster, cosmic hobo, secret agent, and Bohemian alien, which can be associated with masculine qualities.[xx] Additionally, the Doctor has often been portrayed as a heroic figure, taking on the role of a saviour and protector, which is traditionally associated with masculinity.
Doctor Who, as a character, has been associated with several archetypes that can be considered masculine, and while these are not explicitly tied to gender theory, they are grounded in the mythogenetic structures that underpin modern European symbolic sensemaking. These archetypes are based on the character’s traits, behaviours, and roles in the narrative, rather than their gender identity.
One of the key archetypes associated with the Doctor is the “gentleman adventurer.” This archetype is characterized by a sense of curiosity, bravery, and a desire to explore and understand the unknown. The Doctor often takes on the role of a heroic figure, saving and protecting others, which is a trait traditionally linked to the archetype of the hero. Another archetype associated with the Doctor is the “mysterious trickster.” This archetype is characterized by unpredictability, cunning, and a knack for outsmarting opponents. The Doctor often uses wit and cleverness to solve problems and defeat enemies, aligning with this archetype.
The Doctor has also been associated with the archetype of the “cosmic hobo” or “bohemian alien.” This archetype is characterised by a sense of otherness, nonconformity, and a rejection of societal norms. The Doctor, as an alien Time Lord who travels through time and space, embodies this archetype. It’s important to note that these while these archetypes are not inherently masculine or feminine, they have traditionally been associated with masculinity and the symbolic manifestation of the cultural masculine.
Iconotypes and Archetypes
Iconotypes in art and Carl Jung’s concept of archetypes in psychology, while originating from different disciplines, share some interesting parallels and intersections:
- Universal Symbols: Both iconotypes and Jungian archetypes are, in their respective fields, considered to be universal symbols. Iconotypes in art are visual motifs or symbols that recur across various cultures and time periods, embodying universally recognizable themes or ideas. Similarly, Jung’s archetypes are thought to be innate, universal psychic dispositions that form the substrate from which the basic themes of human life emerge.
- Cultural and Collective Unconscious: Jung believed that archetypes reside in the collective unconscious and are shared by people across different cultures and historical periods. Similarly, iconotypes are not confined to a single culture or era but can be found across different artistic traditions, suggesting a shared, if not collective, visual language.
- Narrative and Meaning: Both iconotypes and archetypes serve to convey narrative and meaning. In art, iconotypes are used to instantly communicate ideas, stories, or themes. In Jungian psychology, archetypes manifest in personal experiences and dreams, shaping the narratives of our psychological lives.
- Evolution and Transformation: Just as iconotypes in art can evolve over time, reflecting changes in culture and society, Jungian archetypes are also subject to interpretation and can be expressed in different ways depending on the individual and their cultural context. The essential qualities of an archetype remain, but its manifestations can change.
- Emotional and Psychological Resonance: Iconotypes in art often evoke a deep emotional response, which can be explained by their connection to Jungian archetypes. These archetypes tap into the shared human experience, evoking instinctive and often profound emotional reactions.
- Symbolism and Depth Psychology: Jung’s depth psychology emphasizes the importance of symbols in accessing the deeper layers of the psyche. In art, iconotypes function similarly as symbolic representations that can be interpreted to uncover underlying themes, emotions, or societal values.
While iconotypes and Jungian archetypes originate from different disciplines (art history and psychology), they intersect in their function as universal symbols that convey deep-seated themes and narratives. Both concepts point to a shared human tendency to find meaning in certain recurring symbols, reflecting the collective aspects of human experience. This intersection is particularly intriguing from a perspective that values the integration of art, psychology, and cultural studies, such as your interest in community media and depth psychology informed by Carl Jung’s theories.
Destabilising Cultural Structures
Attempts to destabilise established iconotypes and archetypes in popular culture can be problematic for several reasons, often revolving around cultural, psychological, and social dynamics:
- Cultural Dissonance: Iconotypes and archetypes often hold significant cultural meaning and are deeply ingrained in a society’s collective consciousness. When these symbols are destabilized or radically altered, it can create a sense of dissonance or loss among audiences who are deeply attached to their traditional meanings. This can lead to resistance or backlash, as people may feel that important aspects of their cultural heritage or identity are being undermined or misrepresented.
- Loss of Shared Understanding: Iconotypes and archetypes serve as a kind of shorthand in communication, conveying complex ideas and emotions quickly and effectively. When these are destabilized, it can lead to a loss of shared understanding or common ground in popular culture. Audiences might find it harder to relate to or comprehend new representations, leading to a fragmentation of cultural narratives.
- Psychological Impact: From a Jungian perspective, archetypes tap into the collective unconscious and play a role in individuals’ psychological development and understanding of the world. Altering these archetypes can be disorienting and may impact the psychological processes that rely on these common symbols and narratives.
- Commercial Risks: In the context of media and entertainment, destabilizing established iconotypes and archetypes can be commercially risky. Audiences often have expectations based on these established symbols, and radical changes can lead to poor reception or commercial failure, especially if the changes are perceived as inauthentic or forced.
- Artistic Integrity vs. Social Responsibility: Creators who seek to challenge or change established iconotypes and archetypes may face a dilemma between artistic integrity and social responsibility. While innovation and challenging norms are essential for artistic growth, there’s also a responsibility to consider the potential impact on audiences and society, especially when dealing with sensitive or deeply rooted cultural symbols.
- Potential for Misinterpretation or Misuse: When established iconotypes and archetypes are altered, there’s a risk that these new representations can be misunderstood or misused, especially if they’re stripped of their original context or meaning. This can lead to the spread of misinformation or the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes.
However, it’s also important to note that challenging and evolving iconotypes and archetypes can be beneficial. It allows for cultural growth, the representation of diverse perspectives, and the questioning of outdated or harmful stereotypes. The key is to navigate these changes thoughtfully and respectfully, considering both the potential for positive innovation and the risks associated with disrupting deeply rooted cultural symbols.
Attempts to destabilise established iconotypes and archetypes in popular culture can be problematic for several reasons, often revolving around cultural, psychological, and social dynamics:
- Cultural Dissonance: Iconotypes and archetypes often hold significant cultural meaning and are deeply ingrained in a society’s collective consciousness. When these symbols are destabilized or radically altered, it can create a sense of dissonance or loss among audiences who are deeply attached to their traditional meanings. This can lead to resistance or backlash, as people may feel that important aspects of their cultural heritage or identity are being undermined or misrepresented.
- Loss of Shared Understanding: Iconotypes and archetypes serve as a kind of shorthand in communication, conveying complex ideas and emotions quickly and effectively. When these are destabilized, it can lead to a loss of shared understanding or common ground in popular culture. Audiences might find it harder to relate to or comprehend new representations, leading to a fragmentation of cultural narratives.
- Psychological Impact: From a Jungian perspective, archetypes tap into the collective unconscious and play a role in individuals’ psychological development and understanding of the world. Altering these archetypes can be disorienting and may impact the psychological processes that rely on these common symbols and narratives.
- Commercial Risks: In the context of media and entertainment, destabilizing established iconotypes and archetypes can be commercially risky. Audiences often have expectations based on these established symbols, and radical changes can lead to poor reception or commercial failure, especially if the changes are perceived as inauthentic or forced.
- Artistic Integrity vs. Social Responsibility: Creators who seek to challenge or change established iconotypes and archetypes may face a dilemma between artistic integrity and social responsibility. While innovation and challenging norms are essential for artistic growth, there’s also a responsibility to consider the potential impact on audiences and society, especially when dealing with sensitive or deeply rooted cultural symbols.
- Potential for Misinterpretation or Misuse: When established iconotypes and archetypes are altered, there’s a risk that these new representations can be misunderstood or misused, especially if they’re stripped of their original context or meaning. This can lead to the spread of misinformation or the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes.
It is perhaps ironic that the theme of this episode of Dr Who, Wild Blue Yonder, was centred around the breakdown of the physical form of the leading protagonists, as they faced uncertain adversaries without shape or time at the edge of the universe. It is culture that stops us disappearing into the void or falling into chaos, and it is our symbolic structures, the archetypal forms of our culture such as the masculine and the feminine that provide us with the structure we are accustomed to. They change only slowly over time, but they can’t be messed about with. However, when they do change, we can perceive the shifts, and the corresponding push and pull from deep within the collective unconscious, often in the form of increased social neurosis, and often in the form of an inversion of roles in the archetypal narrative.
it’s important to note, however, that challenging and evolving iconotypes and archetypes can be beneficial. IF we don’t allow for cultural growth, and take on board new representations of the masculine and the feminine from diverse perspectives, then we may be left wondering what we can do with any outdated or harmful stereotypes, those repeating patterns of social habit. The key is to navigate these changes thoughtfully and respectfully, considering both the potential for positive innovation and the risks associated with disrupting deeply rooted cultural symbols.
It is important to note that cultural archetypes are not static and can change over time. In fact, cultural evolution is a natural process that has been occurring throughout human history. However, it is important to approach this process with sensitivity and respect for the cultures involved, to minimise the negative effects and maximize the positive ones.
Ultimately, however, we must proceed cautiously, for destabilising our established cultural archetypes can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it can lead to the creation of new and innovative ideas, which can help to break down barriers and promote greater understanding between different cultures. On the other hand, however, it can also lead to confusion, conflict, and a loss of identity for individuals and communities. The breakdown of sensemaking can’t be allowed to run wild without investment in new social sensemaking structures.
[i] https://youtube.com/watch?v=vUTOmmMbFgo&t=69
[ii] https://www.reddit.com/r/DoctorWhumour/comments/189k36g/isaac_newton_race_swap_conspiracy/
[iii] https://www.indy100.com/tv/doctor-who-isaac-newton-actor
[iv] https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/doctor-who-isaac-newton-fans-defend-wild-blue-yonder-142310917.html
[v] https://screenrant.com/doctor-who-wild-blue-yonder-isaac-newton-tennant-tate-filming/
[vi] https://youtube.com/watch?v=FW70aJsecAc
[vii] https://www.thepoke.com/2023/12/04/a-certain-type-of-man-was-furious-that-doctor-who-depicted-isaac-newton-as-a-person-of-colour-and-this-response-was-everything/
[viii] https://www.tor.com/2023/12/02/doctor-who-lets-horror-take-the-wheel-in-wild-blue-yonder/
[ix] https://www.indy100.com/tv/doctor-who-isaac-newton-actor
[x] https://www.reddit.com/r/DoctorWhumour/comments/189k36g/isaac_newton_race_swap_conspiracy/
[xi] https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Doctor_Who_logo
[xii] https://merchandise.thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/the-doctor-who-12-inch-british-icon-dalek/
[xiii] https://www.reddit.com/r/doctorwho/comments/1psuui/i_made_a_handful_of_doctor_who_themed_icon_images/
[xiv] https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1271&context=etd
[xv] https://the-artifice.com/doctor-who-hero-journey/
[xvi] https://www.clarendonhousebooks.com/single-post/2016/08/11/the-shifting-archetypes-in-early-doctor-who
[xvii] https://www.reddit.com/r/gallifrey/comments/l4y47o/the_doctors_incarnations_and_their_archetypes/
[xviii] https://www.superdoomedplanet.com/who/cliches.html
[xix] https://tardis.fandom.com/wiki/Archetype
[xx] https://www.reddit.com/r/gallifrey/comments/l4y47o/the_doctors_incarnations_and_their_archetypes/
