In the book the measure of a man why did a attorney ask Poitier to sign a loyalty oath?

Question

the measure of a man written by Sidney Poitier.

Answer 1

A very good book by the way.
This was during the "McCarthy Era." The loyalty pledge was a way of exposing "communists" in America. Essentially, you were asked to 'rat' on someone to prove your loyalty.
About the most Un-American thing that ever happened in America (before George Bush that is).
Read about what happened in Hollywood with blacklisting, and also about Paul Robeson and about Ronald Reagan during the McCarthy years (1950s). Several good movies were made on the subject as well. Also, see anything about Edward R. Murrow, who was the first public figure to stand up to McCarthy, which could have meant the end of his career. it is a fascinating & timely subject (are you a loyalAmerican if you oppose Bush and the war?) History is never old.
Everything old is new again. I'd do the research for you, but I'll let you have the joy of discovery!