Final answer:
Being put on a no-hire list due to one's political associations was known as being "blacklisted," a term associated with the Red Scare and Lavender Scare in the United States. Entities like HUAC contributed to this, leading to discrimination against alleged Communists and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
When people were put on a no-hire list due to their political associations, it was known as being "blacklisted." This practice was prevalent during the Cold War in the United States, particularly during the Red Scare and the Lavender Scare.
During these times, the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) and Executive Order 10450 respectively contributed to a climate of fear and suspicion. Alleged Communists and members of the LGBTQ+ community were frequently targeted, often leading to job loss and irreparable damage to personal and professional reputations. In Hollywood, for instance, a number of artists were blacklisted and consequently found it nearly impossible to work.
These actions were purportedly taken to protect national security but were later criticized for their discriminatory nature and the lack of real evidence supporting the claims against targeted individuals. This McCarthy-era phenomenon greatly impacted people's lives and careers and is seen today as a regrettable chapter in American history. Blacklisting served as a form of political repression and discrimination based on association and perceived threats rather than any actual wrongdoing.