Brown Paper Bag Test

Brown Paper Bag Test was a discriminatory act in the United States of America, that was based on skin color and acceptance. The brown paper bag was used as a way to determine whether or not an individual could have certain privileges. The test was used in the 20th century in many social institutions such as African-American sororities, fraternities, and churches. In addition, Brown Paper Bags were used in multi-racial social events, at which only individuals with a skin color that is the same color or lighter than a brown paper bag were allowed. The term also refers to larger issues of class and social stratification within the African-American population. This test resulted from discrimination, based on skin color.