Source: antm411.com

Back in the day we used to have jokes on Zack, the lone black Mighty Morphin Power Ranger on the kids TV show, but the reality of there only being room for one black star on the show isn’t so funny when it’s a blatant racist practice. That’s what “America’s Next Top Model” contestant and aspiring actress Sundai Love alleged when she sent out this tweet earlier this month:

That’s a bold claim, right? Once you get past the shock of realizing the Power Rangers is still a viable franchise, that emotion quickly turns to anger and frustration over the alleged discriminatory practices of the television show. But as Oh No They Didn’t points out, its pretty much par for the course for the show’s original producers,  Saban Entertainment:

“As many of you have heard before, back in the original season of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, fans questioned why the Black Ranger had to be African-American and the Yellow Ranger had to be Asian. Saban seemed to try to rectify that by switching the roles in season 2 of MMPR, but it didn’t go unnoticed. There is a good chance that this [is] unintentional on their part. Mistakes do happen. And, the Power Rangers franchise itself has seen a lot of change in the casting of different actors from different backgrounds in various roles.

“But, this recent incident sparks the question as to why there needs to be a certain quota of certain races in the cast of multi-colored spandex heroes. Being told that you have not been chosen because you weren’t right for the specific part or that another actor seemed a better fit for the role is one thing, its a part of the trade. You’re vying for a spot on a show against hundreds of other actors. Only one person can take that role. But, to be told that you were good but were not cast because there is another person on-board who is of the same race as you is completely wrong and inexcusable.”

Saban would likely never cop to the “only one negro allowed” quota, neither would BVS Entertainment or SCG Power Rangers, LLC, the companies that have since taken over production of the show, but sometimes you don’t need anyone to confirm what’s already in front of you. The proof is already in the non-diverse actor’s pudding.

What do you thin about Sundai Love’s claim or why she didn’t get the Power Rangers role? Is it likely true?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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