Where did blacklist come from?

The term "blacklist" originates from the practice of creating lists of people who are considered undesirable or dangerous, and therefore should be denied opportunities, services, or advantages. The term itself is believed to have originated in the 19th century, used in various contexts such as labor relations and political activism. Here are a few possible origins of the term "blacklist":

Labor Unions: In the 19th century, labor unions used the term "black list" to refer to lists of workers who were known to be troublesome, radical, or involved in union activities. Employers would share these lists among themselves to prevent these individuals from getting hired.

Politics: During the McCarthy era in the United States (1947-1957), the term "blacklist" was used in the context of the entertainment industry. People suspected of being communists or having leftist sympathies were added to blacklists and effectively banned from working in Hollywood and other entertainment industries.

History and Social Movements: Throughout history, blacklists have been used by governments, organizations, or groups to suppress dissent, control information, or limit the influence of certain individuals or ideas. Examples include religious blacklists during the Inquisition, or political blacklists used by authoritarian regimes to target political opponents or activists.

Over time, the term "blacklist" became widely recognized as a way of suppressing or isolating individuals or groups based on their political views, religious beliefs, ethnicity, or other characteristics that were deemed undesirable.