The BSCIC is a skin color chart designed to identify the skin color of Black Americans, however the BSCIC may be used to identify the skin color of all people of color. The BSCIC consists of the three skin color categories identified as light, medium and dark. Each skin color category contains 16 distinct skin color for a total of 48 skin colors. The BSCIC was developed by Dr. Culbreth in 2006.
POCSCIC is a new skin color chart consisting of 75 skin colors in the three skin color categories (light, medium and dark). The chart was designed to help identify the skin tones of people of color belonging tovarious racial groups. Each skin color category consists of 25 skin colors. The POCSCIC was developed by Dr. Culbreth in 2013.
Historically, it is believed that skin color testes were used by White and Black Americans to determine race, social status, acceptance into churches, schools, clubs, associations, communities and in the employment arena. For detailed information see "The Paperbag Principle" (Kerr, A. E. 2006).
Skin color tests were used to determine if Black people possessing Eurocentric phentotypes(white skin, light skin in close proximity to white skin, hair texture, nose and lips) were actually White or Black Americans. Tests of this nature were used by White Americans to determine the race of Black people whose racial identity was questionable based on their appearance.
Tests
Reference
Kerr, A. E. (1998). The Two Black Washingtons: the role of complexion in the oral history of District of
Columbia residents 1863-1963. University of Maryland.
Several different skin color tests were used by light complexioned Black Americans to determine if darker complexioned Blacks would be accepted in various social settings. Skin color tests were used for employment purposes and by educational institutions, churches, social clubs and other organizations.
Tests
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