Wait?The Next Doctor Who Is Who?!

Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve come a long way in this country regarding race relations. Now, I know all the problems have been solved, and there are still a great many misguided fools that believe people whose skin is a different color are somehow less worthy than another. But still, we should take some comfort and joy in the fact that finally, in 2008, a person of color has been nomination to possibly take over one of the most exalted leadership roles in the entire world.

I speak, of course, of Doctor Who.

Yes, actor Paterson Joseph is in the running to become the 12th incarnation of Brit-land’s favorite Time Lord when actor David Tennant quites after the 2010 series. Joseph, who was tragically born with a last name for a first name and a first name for a last name, has appeared as Roderick in a previous Who episode, and is well known for his role in the recent Jekyll miniseries. Scifi Wire says:

When SCI FI Wire contacted Joseph directly, his initial response was a text message that said, “I am on a list of God knows how many others, but flattered to be considered.” That was followed by an e-mail a day later, saying, “The news on Who was news to me as of last Wednesday, when my agent said they’d had lots of journos asking if the rumors were true. That’s all I know, and I’m very pleased to even be thought of in this way. It’s a blast!”

Even if it doesn’t happen, it’s a momentous, wonderful thing for a man to be considered for the position, and his color isn’t even a factor. Where else could you find such a wonderful event? Sigh!