Alex Kingston, the renowned actress best known for her roles in “Doctor Who” and “ER,” recently opened up about her struggles with understanding and using chosen pronouns. At 61, Kingston finds herself navigating a landscape where language and social norms are rapidly evolving, often leaving her feeling uncertain and confused.
In a candid discussion, Kingston expressed that her generation is “treading on eggshells,” constantly worried about unintentionally offending someone. She admitted that pronouns, in particular, are a source of confusion for her. “I’m just not confident with how and when to use them,” she said, highlighting the lack of empathy and understanding that often accompanies mistakes in this area. Kingston hopes for a future where people are kinder and more considerate, both in their speech and in their reactions to others.
Kingston’s comments came ahead of her role in the upcoming series “Douglas Is Cancelled,” which explores the life of a fictional newsreader whose career is jeopardized by a controversial joke made at a private event. The series delves into the complexities of cancel culture, a topic Kingston finds deeply troubling. She described cancel culture as “terrifying” and “sort of fascistic,” emphasizing the historical dangers of such practices.
The actress pointed out that cancel culture leaves little room for mistakes or learning, with opinions often being immediate and unforgiving. This lack of nuance and empathy, she believes, is detrimental to society. Kingston’s concerns extend to the arts, where the cancellation of artists can alter how audiences experience their work. She cited Charlie Chaplin as an example, explaining that knowing about his controversial behavior behind the scenes affects how she views his films.
Kingston also touched on the work of Harvey Weinstein, noting that because he is not on screen, she can separate his actions from the films he produced. This distinction, however, is not always easy to make, and the impact of an artist’s personal life on their work remains a contentious issue.
In the same interview, Kingston revisited her 2015 statement that the actor playing Doctor Who “has to be a guy.” She admitted she was wrong, especially after seeing Jodie Whittaker take on the role in 2017. Kingston acknowledged that the show’s broad appeal transcends gender, and she has met many fans who identify with Whittaker’s portrayal of the Doctor.
Kingston’s reflections on pronouns and cancel culture resonate with broader societal debates. The rapid changes in language and social norms can be challenging to navigate, especially for those who grew up in different times. Kingston’s honesty about her confusion and her call for empathy highlight the need for patience and understanding as society continues to evolve.
Her comments also align with those of other public figures who have voiced concerns about cancel culture. Comedians like Frank Skinner, Jimmy Carr, and Ricky Gervais have all spoken out about the challenges of performing in today’s climate. Skinner, for instance, noted that while certain topics may be off-limits, he doesn’t feel restricted because he doesn’t want to make offensive jokes anyway. Gervais has been particularly vocal, describing cancel culture as a “weird sort of fascism” and emphasizing that being offended doesn’t necessarily mean one is right.
Kingston’s perspective adds a valuable voice to this ongoing conversation. Her experiences and insights underscore the importance of empathy and the need for a more forgiving and understanding society. As she continues to navigate these complexities, Kingston remains hopeful that people will become kinder and more considerate in their interactions.
In a world where language and social norms are constantly shifting, Kingston’s candid reflections serve as a reminder that everyone is learning and adapting. Her call for empathy and understanding is a timely and necessary appeal, encouraging us all to be more patient and considerate as we navigate these changes together.
