Plessy vs Ferguson

Judge Harlan’s dissent was really one of a kind. Harlan managed to almost completely flip my view on separate but equal. He was right when he said “But it is difficult to reconcile that boast with a state of the law which, practically, puts the brand of servitude and degradation upon a large class of our fellow citizens”. I agree with his statement that equal is a disguise that doesn’t mislead anyone. I thought it was cool how he talked about Dred Scott in his dissent.

Harlan makes an incredibly good argument. Even though he wasn’t supported by any of the other justices I believe he hoped to accomplish showing everyone else that separate but equal was not actually separate but equal. In 1896 I have a feeling most white people would have agreed with the other justices that agreed with separate but equal. Even though Harlan talks about how there is nothing about color in the constitution in 1896 I am sure many people did still not want to be around black people. However, if this happened in 2016 everything would be different. There would be no way anyone would agree with the other justices thinking otherwise is just outrageous. People would go insane there would be so many riots. In this day and age, the United States has many things in place to make sure everyone is treated equal. 

Harlan’s dissent showed that there was still a way to voice other people’s opinions than just the court. It helps show that in any case there can be two sides to the argument. Dissents help show the other parties side of view when it needs to be shown.