Friday, April 23, 2010

The Doctor as New Patron Saint of England? Count me In!

This is so good, I just had to put this up.

Adam Rutherford, from The Guardian UK, has written a story about St George, the patron saint of England, in which he questions whether or not the saint truly ever existed, and where he also discusses his love of Country. It's an interesting and entertaining article but the main point is that Rutherford has decided to offer an alternative as England's patron saint, a little fictionnal character known only as the Doctor:

... the shape-shifting time-travelling guardian of humanity from Doctor Who. In fact, the Doctor shares many striking similarities with St George. Both are dragon-slaying outsiders, fighting on foreign shores to protect their adopted people. But we know so much more about the Doctor, and thus can proudly and sensibly sing his praises. If we as a people demand collective narrative from legend, we might as well make it a ripping yarn.

The Doctor possesses so many traits of Englishness to which we should all aspire: defiance and good humour in the face of adversity; a sense of style that is at once individual, traditional and contemporary; a special brand of cheeky conservative rebelliousness; a humbling reliance on hot companions. Follow your spirit and upon this charge cry God for Harry, England and the Doctor!
[The Guardian]

Apparently, the idea has already one devoted supporter in the person of Neil Gaiman who tweeted:

@neilhimself Make Dr WHo the new Patron Saint of England, says the Guardian? I am SO THERE. [via SyFy]

I have a suggestion though. I want the forthcoming obligatory statues to be made in the image of the Tenth Doctor whilst fighting a Dalek, okpleasethankyou!

Now, where do I sign the petition?

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