Brown paper bag test

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Brown Paper Bag Test

The Brown Paper Bag Test was a form of racial discrimination practiced within the African-American community and other communities of color, particularly in the United States, during the 20th century. This test was used to determine whether an individual's skin color was light enough to gain admission to certain schools, churches, social groups, and employment opportunities. The criterion was based on the color of a brown paper bag; if an individual's skin tone was lighter than or the same as the bag, they were deemed acceptable, while those with darker skin were excluded.

Origins and Application

The origins of the Brown Paper Bag Test are difficult to pinpoint, but it is widely acknowledged to have been used in various African-American communities, especially among the elite or upper-class members. This practice was not only a reflection of the internalized racism and colorism within these communities but also a manifestation of the broader societal preference for lighter skin, which dates back to the colonial era and the institution of slavery. Lighter-skinned individuals often received preferential treatment, including work assignments and, in some cases, emancipation, which contributed to a social hierarchy based on skin color.

The test was applied in various social contexts, including but not limited to, social gatherings, Greek-letter organizations, churches, and even in the entertainment industry. One of the most notorious examples of its application was at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), where it was rumored to have been used in the admissions process and to select candidates for certain prestigious organizations.

Impact and Legacy

The Brown Paper Bag Test contributed to the perpetuation of colorism, a form of prejudice or discrimination in which people are treated differently based on the social meanings attached to skin color. This practice has had a lasting impact on the African-American community, affecting individuals' self-esteem, social mobility, and access to resources. It has also fueled divisions within the community, as it reinforced a hierarchy based on skin color that paralleled the racial hierarchy imposed by the broader society.

In recent years, there has been increased awareness and discussion about the harmful effects of colorism and the need to address it within communities of color. The Brown Paper Bag Test serves as a historical reminder of the ways in which racism and colorism have been internalized and enacted within oppressed communities.

Contemporary Relevance

While the Brown Paper Bag Test is no longer explicitly used, the underlying issues of colorism and preference for lighter skin persist in various forms. In media representation, beauty standards, and even within families, lighter skin is often still privileged over darker skin. The legacy of the Brown Paper Bag Test underscores the importance of confronting and challenging these deeply ingrained prejudices.

See Also

• Colorism
• Racial discrimination
• African-American history
• Historically black colleges and universities