Plessey V. Ferguson: The Mythology of Separate but Equal Part Two
This is part six of our ongoing series "That Was A Long Time Ago'. We are examining the impact of the legal system has shaped the present
The Caste System in America
The implementation of "separate but equal" created a caste system wherein rights and freedoms were determined by race. In America, this caste system was not defined by class but by the color of one's skin. White privilege became a birthright, a subtle yet powerful force that granted White Americans—especially those who were wealthy—advantages and opportunities that were systematically denied to Black Americans.
White Privilege Defined
White privilege can be understood in two significant ways:
The Benefit of the Doubt: White individuals are often afforded the presumption of innocence and credibility in situations where individuals of other races might not be.
Freedom from Certain Worries: White individuals do not have to think about or prepare for discrimination and prejudice in many everyday situations. This obliviousness to racial issues is a privilege in itself.
Conclusion
The Plessey v. Ferguson decision of 1896 stands as a stark reminder of the institutionalized racism and inequality that have plagued American history. By upholding the “separate but equal” doctrine, the Supreme Court not only failed to protect the rights granted by the 14th Amendment but also entrenched a system of racial segregation and oppression that would take decades to begin to dismantle. Understanding the implications of Plessey v. Ferguson is crucial for recognizing the roots of racial inequality in the United States and the pervasive impact of systemic racism that continues to affect society today.
Plessey still sits on the Books until this very day. Brown vs. Board of Education merely sit aside. It was overturned de facto but never de jure. The legacy of this ruling underscores the importance of vigilance in the fight for civil rights and equality, as well as the need for laws that actively denounce and combat racial prejudice.
Moving forward, it is essential to reflect on how far the United States has come, while also acknowledging the work that remains to be done. The Plessey v. Ferguson case is a critical chapter in the nation's history, reminding us of the cost of complacency and the enduring need for justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of race.
Only by confronting and learning from the injustices of the past can we hope to build a society where equality is not just a constitutional promise but a lived reality for everyone.