Although I probably have a movie like idea of what the House of Un-American Activities actually did, I have read a bit about it in preparation for this blog post.
True to its name, the House of Un-American Activities was created to investigate supposedly disloyal citizens and companies that had alleged communist ties. It was created in 1938 and eradicated in 1975, with a pretty continual decline of importance through the years.
The House of Un-American Activities was known to be vague in their accusations, make sweeping generalizations, pressure to name people who are disloyal to America and of believing people to be guilty by association. The committee was relentless in their interrogation and investigative techniques. They would mark people as "Red" (a horrible insult to any democracy and capitalism loving individual, living surrounded by their white picket fence in lovely America)if they would not were not helpful to their cause. I think today that it may be more Un-American to ridicule someone because of their differences - after all, we are the giant melting pot. What do you think?
When people refused to comply with the Committee, they were held in contempt of Congress. A famous example of this include the Hollywood 10, who were blacklisted and imprisoned for their refusal to testify during Committee hearings in 1947, stating that it was their right under the first amendment to remain silent.
Here's a short you tube video about it:
You can read more about the individuals compromising the Hollywood 10 in my last link under resources.
Resources:
http://www.nps.gov/archive/elro/glossary/huac.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0824313.html
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAhollywood10.htm
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/blacklist.html
