Or, Why I Like Clara Oswald
A lot of Whovians out there have expressed strong dislike for Clara Oswald, played by the talented actress, Jenna Coleman. But, I liked her from the start and when her casting was first announced, I believed this actress was to reach Billie Piper status in Doctor Who history.
Well, due to the majority of Whovians dislike, I don't think she quite made it to that point, for many. Yet for me, I give her a positive thumbs up in that direction.
Why?
First, as Jenna, she's a talented, well-rounded actress. But, as Clara, well bear with me, as I give my reasonings.
A lot of viewers found the new-Who series under the guidance of the man, Steven Moffat, to be down-right sexist. So, in addition to watching the show as a pure fan-girl, I started looking for that element in the writing. Not only did I not see this, but I saw the opposite.
Women were lifted up, for the first time, in Doctor Who history as never before.
If the doctor or a male companion tried to protect or shield a female character, that woman would deny that and stand up for herself, showing an element of bravery never before seen in previous Doctor Who series. Yes, I recall the Doctor helping Rose, Martha, and even Donna to achieve their full purpose yet that wasn't without the constant assistance, supervision, and protection by himself as almost a Savior-Complex.
So, what about Clara?
In all her four years traveling with the Doctor, in whatever role whether as Oswin or as a Victorian maidservant, Clara never really succumbed to Doctor-Worship but gave him back what was his due. Not only that, but on several occasions it was Clara who helped rescue the Doctor or assist him as an equal in whatever the problem was that needed solve. As an equal, mind you!
In one episode, the Doctor trapped in a shrunken TARDIS has to succumb to Clara for complete control. As she took the sonic screwdriver and deposited the space-ship in her knapsack, she joyfully commented, "So, I'm the Doctor now?" and then proceeded to orchestrate the 'saving of the day' in true Doctor Who fashion. Some might complain of this, that the Doctor is becoming less important, more like a goofy clown in the background, but my point remains, its to lift up the women companions as strong and independent and not weak, submissive or needy.
To that I say, Go, Moffat, Go!
In addition to this, Clara kept a strong sense of femininity, both in style and in attitude. She was a schoolteacher, a care-taker to the young and those in need. She was compassionate and allowed herself to fall in love with Danny Pink. Yet she remained clear-headed, intelligent, and strong despite these traits. In fact, she proved that femininity, including sexuality, was not a lack of feminine power and strength but a part of it.
Clara was a woman and more than that a human being equal to not just the Doctor but to her male counter-parts. Able to allow herself to be vulnerable emotionally as well as fully capable to show her intelligence and strength, Clara represents the symbol of not only the New-Whovian female companion but of the new feminism. One of which says that in order to be a feminist, you need not give up your desire to "be a girl", in a sense, "hide your femininity", but that can be used as an asset to the cause. Therefore, it is possible that the dislike of Coleman's character is an inbuilt dislike of feminism.
Her final words, though full of vulnerability and fear, maintain her determination to stand strong: "Let me be brave!"
Deemed the Impossible Girl, Jenna Coleman's character, Clara Oswin Oswald, is proof that future female companions and girls throughout the world can be anything but that.
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