Do Boycotts Work? A Brief History of Boycotts.

Jump to Biz Guide

With the trending “Total Economic Blackout” scheduled for Friday, February 28th, you might be wondering do boycotts actually work?

Boycotts have existed in some form since ancient times (Athenian Ostracism, Roman Secessions) and have evolved over time (Civil Rights Boycotts, Anti-Apartheid Boycott Movement). History has proven that boycotts can work.

The word boycott dates back to Ireland in the late 1800s. On September 19, 1880, tenant farmers were advised by the leader of the Irish National Land League to socially ostracize, or shun, those who tried to evict them (often unfairly).

Days later, Charles Cunnngham Boycott (the land manager of absentee (slum)Lorde Erne) attempted to serve a series of eviction notices and was unsuccessful when community members sounded the alarm, uniting to socially evict him.

Citizens refused to work for him, trade with him, or even deliver his mail. Soon after, he requested a bailout from parliament, stating he lost 6,000 pounds (the equivalent of 774,803.86 in U.S. dollars today) in investments. By December 1880 he and his family left Ireland.

Beside running Boycott out of the country, there was an immediate mobilization of boycotts throughout Ireland leading to policy changes including the Irish Land Law Act of 1881 which determined the definition of fair rent.

Boycotts in the Central Valley

Our very own Central Valley is home to the successful Delano Grape Strike organized and carried out by the United Farm Workers (UFW). Prior to this important historical event, Filipino-Americans in the valley paved the way for the strike’s success.

Filipino-Americans farmworkers on strike.

In 1948, Larry Dulay Itliong (AKA Seven Fingers), and other key figures such as Philip Vera Cruz, Peter Gines Velasco, and Ernest Mangaoang, participated in the asparagus strike in Stockton, the first major agricultural strike in California. Itliong would eventually be leader of the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC).

After winning increased wages for farmworkers in Coachella Valley, the AWOC voted to strike again on September 8, 1965 against Delano grape growers. They were soon joined by a young National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) led by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, eventually merging to form the UFW.

Dolores Huerta holding a sign that says ‘*huelga’* or *strike,* 1965.

In the first year of the strikes, profits were down 12% and by 1969 grape growers had lost 25 million dollars. In July 1970, after five years of consistent mobilization that made a significant impact in the agricultural economy, grape growers were forced to make union contracts resulting in increased wages and working conditions for farm workers.

César Chávez (left) and Larry Itliong (right).

The Nationwide Economic Blackout

In recent years, there have been regular consumer boycotts, or calls to boycott large corporations. From protesting the U.S. participation of the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza to those who contributed to the Trump election, activists are aiming for the wallets of the mega rich.

The Nationwide Economic Blackout is a consumer boycott mobilized by The People’s Union USA calling on citizens to refrain from corporate spending, especially from those giants who have rolled back their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, following three executive orders signed by President Trump on January 20th and 21st of this year.

In an episode of PBS’s Roots of Resistance, viewers can dive into a brief history of boycotts outlined by four key elements for success: a clear goal, awareness and education, consistent mobilization, and economic impact.

The Nationwide Blackout call to action outlines what not to do on March 28th. Among the actions (or rather anti-actions) are not shopping at any corporate stores online or in-person (explicitly calling out Amazon and Walmart), not spending in general if not necessary, and if you do need to spend, make it local and make it in cash.

In an Instagram post from February 9th, Jon Schwartz, founder of The People’s Union USA, wrote that the goal of the Economic Blackout is to show “the politicians, the billionaires, and the elite, that if we decide, we can stop the economy anytime we want.”

Additionally, he challenges people who say they want to make change to participate in the action call on the 28th. “It’s a test, so many speak about wanting change and taking action. Let’s see if everyone can get up and do one simple action… then we can move forward.”

It is impossible to say how many people are aware of the boycott, but it is clear that it is growing. The blackout has caught the attention of news outlets across the country including Time, The Washington Post, USA Today, and Forbes. On social media, Jon Schawrts shared that his profile has reached 35 million people, a movement in Canada is joining the boycott, and Cyndi Lauper (pop queen of the 80s, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”) shared a flyer on her official Instagram. The 35 million does not include the countless number of flyers created and shared by others.

A month ago today, Target rolled back DEI and in less than a month, their stock has dropped nearly 10%. Starbucks has seen declines in sales every quarter since October 2023. Tesla’s stock slipped in the last month (down 29.01% at the time of this publication). It is important to recall that the Montgomery Bus Boycotts lasted a year, the Delano Grape Boycott lasted five years, and the Anti-Apartheid Boycott lasted 35 years!

History has shown that boycotts can be effective when the right conditions are met. However, a single economic blackout won’t be enough to create lasting change—it requires a sustained effort from individuals like YOU. To learn more, check out The People’s Union USA and San Joaquín Valley Resistance.

What do you think?- Is an economic blackout effective? What needs to happen to create a sustainable course of action toward an ethical economic system?

Buy Local

Where does one buy deodorant if not from Target? (especially if you plan to opt-out of corporate USA indefinitely and don’t want to go completely au natural). uSpark local business guide, sorted by category, to help you identify where to get that deodorant as well as everything from books and hair care products to your next sobrinos birthday gift.