1950s

I decided to do a little research about blacklisting in the 1950s.
      There was a list known as the Hollywood Blacklist. If you, a professional, was named on the list you were not allowed to partcipate in the entertainment business because of political beliefs. Many careers were damaged and ended due to this list. This list can be traced back to the 1930s where there was suspicion of communism rising in America. The House Unamerican Activities Committee (HUAC) charged people with being communists. Some entertainment professionals (the Hollywood 10) were asked by the HUAC to testify, but they wouldn't. The Hollywood 10 were fired. Many people, not just high profile performers, were placed on this list. People were put on the list for associating with communists, for liberal cause involvements, etc. The names kept growing on the list once the public became aware.
       I feel the Hollywood blacklist is exactly like the Salem Witch Trials. People just kept getting accused for their beliefs or associating with someone who had a wrong belief just like the accused "witches" in the Witch Trials. The teenage girls just kept accusing more and more people. The list went on and on just like the Hollywood Blacklist. I think it is wrong for people to ruin each other's career by putting them on a blacklist. The Hollywood Blacklist ruined many peoples lives that shouldn't have even been ruined in the first place. People shouldn't accuse others of their actions or beliefs if they do not know the facts. These accusations can get way out of hand.

site: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-was-the-hollywood-blacklist.htm