The "brown paper bag test"

It was a ritual once practiced by certain African-American and Creole fraternities and sororities who discriminated against people who were "too dark." That is, these groups would not let anyone into the sorority or fraternity whose skin tone was darker than a paper lunch bag so as to maintain Mulatto and Creole cultural standards.Spike Lee's film School Daze satirizes this practice.

While stated less explicitly, Colorism can be seen in instances on the NBC drama Homicide: Life on the Street.^[1] superior officers Deputy Commissioner of Operations On the show, a main character Baltimore Police Lieutenant Al Giardello, a darker skinned African American officer is discrimated against by his lighter skinned African AmericanJames C.

Harris and Colonel George Barnfather. Additionally, Giardello is discriminated against by African American women as his appearance is "too black".

The "Blue Vein Society"

Following the Emancipation, mulatto societies such as as "The Blue Vein Society" came into prominence. Its members were often well-connected free-born or freed individuals of mixed African, European, and occasionally of Native American blood.

To be eligible for membership, one's skin color had to be pale enough that the "blue veins" on the underside of the arm were visible. Such restrictive organizations allowed its members and their offspring to meet, co-mingle and marry, thereby preserving what small privilege the mulatto elite had enjoyed before all slaves were set free.

Uneducated, or economically disadvantaged mixed race individuals, even those whose skin color was technically light enough to qualify them for admission, were still rarely welcomed.

Where Blue Veins Started 

The original "Blue Veins" were said to have been organized in New England. Their primary objective was to establish and maintain "correct" social standards amongst a people whose social condition, by virtue of their white bloodlines and powerful family connections.

Today, social clubs such as The Bachelor/Bennedict Club,The Bunch Club, The TheBans, The Links, The Beau Brummells,The Continentals ,The Boule'and Jack & Jill are said to serve the same purpose for the Black middle class; however, in the late 20th century, economic standing, social position or professional affiliation often provide entry into these organizations to those who fit the physical criteria of having light skin.