Plessy versus Ferguson

“Sixty millions of whites are in no danger from the presence here of eight millions of blacks. The destinies of the two races, in this country, are indissolubly linked together, and the interests of both require that the common government of all shall not permit the seeds of race hate to be planted under the sanction of law.” The Plessy versus Ferguson supreme court case impacted America forever by drawing a distinct line in segregating America between African Americans and White People now called racism. Homer Plessy was considered an African American since his great-grandmother moved from Africa to America. The case occurred in front of Supreme Court justice John Marshall Harlan and would be used as in inference for several court cases in the future. Homer Plessy went against the Louisiana segregation legislation by sitting in a railcar meant only for whites. Louisiana segregated several public areas and even made it so African Americans could not sit in a car reserved only for whites. Homer Plessy bought a ticket into a white only area in a railcar and told the conductor he was partially black; he then refused to move from the car. After being jailed overnight, Plessy payed five hundred dollars and was set free. At the Louisiana supreme court, Plessy was proven guilty by a man named Ferguson. Plessy took the case to the Supreme Court where he stated the Louisiana separate car act violated amendment thirteen and fourteen. The court ruled that the amendment doesn’t protect social rights in society resulting in a defeat. In a 7-1 defeat at the Supreme Court ruling in Ferguson’s favor, it was a small dent in the racial injustice about to be carried out for the next few centuries.  

            Personally, I do not agree with this ruling in the case. In fact, there should never have been a part of a railcar reserved only for whites since it says in the constitution “all men are created equal” so whites shouldn’t be treated any better. For many decades and centuries, African Americans have been mistreated and it is our job to end this injustice to others who have done no harm towards us. The Plessy versus Ferguson case portrays an example or racism specifically in the government also, thus portraying how cruel the world can be based on the color of one’s skin. Not a single soul should ever have to be judged based on his or her skin color, especially when it comes to a court case. Plessy versus Ferguson paved a path for future protestors to follow, eventually leading to more rights for African Americans.