Why Did Harry Truman's Loyalty Review System Target Homosexuals Working

question 34

Multiple Choice

Why did Harry Truman's loyalty review system target homosexuals working for the government?

• A) The president was an outspoken homophobe.
• B) Joseph McCarthy's announcement that there were over fifty homosexuals in the State Department had forced Truman's hand.
• C) Homosexuals were legally prohibited from working for the government.
• D) Homosexuals were considered susceptible to blackmail and thought to be lacking the manly qualities necessary to fight communism.
• E) Truman was alleged to be gay himself and sought to deflect any suspicions.

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Definitions:

Generalisation

The act or process of forming conclusions based on broad patterns, observations, or experiences that apply beyond specific instances.

Contact Hypothesis

A theory suggesting that under certain conditions, interpersonal contact is one of the most effective ways to reduce prejudice between majority and minority group members.

Social Identity Theory

A psychological theory that posits individuals define themselves by their group membership and seek to maintain positive self-esteem through their group affiliations.

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

is a theory suggesting that frustration leads to aggressive behavior, as frustration creates an impetus for aggression.