Jukyoung Kim
Virginia Episcopal School
Abstract
From the late 1940s to the early 1960s, the Hollywood Blacklist was a time when fear of communism led to major changes in the film industry. Accusations, often without proof, ruined many careers, as writers, actors, and directors were banned from working just for being suspected of communist beliefs. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) held hearings where people were pressured to name others, and those who refused were jailed or blacklisted. The Hollywood Ten is a prime example of this, and the Waldorf Statement showed how studios gave in to political pressure. As a result, many artists had to write under fake names, move abroad, or leave Hollywood altogether. Studios also used the situation to protect their business and avoid risk. The Blacklist period is now seen as a period in history where fear, politics, and media mix cost the rights of free speech and fairness.
