This blacklisting had serious consequences for those affected, as it often prevented them from getting a job in their field, or even in any other field. This could lead to financial hardship, as well as social and emotional isolation.
The McCarthy Hearings, in particular, were a period of intense scrutiny and paranoia in the United States, and many people were accused of being communists without any real evidence. This created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion, and many people were afraid to speak out against the government or express any dissenting views. As a result, some people were blacklisted and lost their jobs, while others were forced to lie about their beliefs or associations in order to keep their jobs.