The above Power Rangers image is an exceptional example of social construction, signification, and rhetoric argument. Since this show is intended for younger viewers, the quite visually apparent power relations and racism most likely are not pinpointed by the particular audience. I know for a fact that as a child, I didn't think twice to associate the color of the ranger's uniform to his or her corresponding skin tone. However, now I have to question...is it mere coincidence the female Asian ranger is wearing yellow and the African American male is wearing black? Of course not, so then I must ask, what were the creators' intentions for blatantly depicting the various races in a somewhat derogatory, joking manner? There are countless other opinions such as the pink ranger was a "dumb, white valley girl", the green ranger was Irish with an accent, and the blue ranger was obviously gay and had a "thing" for the red ranger who was supposedly the leader or alpha male (being white and superior in the group.) Many of these claims are obviously far fetched. The original maker of each series claims the goal was to have the show be as diverse as possible, therefore incorporating actors from all backgrounds. This goes to show how society can take the signified and based on individual rules and personal formed connections, can come up with a signifier based on constructed reality. Reality is different for everyone and as we have discussed in class, meaning is not inherent in the world. People will read too far into things if he or she has constructed a particular idea, image, or language to "read" and represent a certain way.
Your example is very intriguing. We tend to overlook a lot of the potentially controversial aspects of cartoons or children's shows. As adults, some of us have an increased awareness for racial or discriminatory content, but as children, we don't see the black guy in the black suit that alarming. Nice choice!
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