The paper bag test was a tool of colorism used in African American communities. if you were as light or lighter than a paper bag, you were consider acceptable. If not, you were considered too dark.

The comb test is another tool of colorism in the African American community. A girl's hair was combs by a fine tooth comb and if it went thorugh smoothly, you were acceptable. If not, your hair was ruled "too nappy" or "too kinky".

The Flahlight test is another tool of colorism in the African American community. It is when a flashlight is held close up to one's face to identify fi he or she had "European" like features. This, was seen as a good thing.