The Paper Bag Principle: Class, Colorism, and Rumor and the Case of Black Washington, D.C.

“This is, to my knowledge, the first full-length treatment of complexion legends and myths, filling a major gap in the literature. . . . It treats controversial issues with great sensitivity and insight.” —Nancy Bonvillain, Simon’s Rock College of Bard

The Paper Bag Principle: Class, Colorism, and Rumor in the Case of Black Washington, D.C. considers the function of oral history in shaping community dynamics among African American residents of the nation’s capitol. The only attempt to docume...