Boycotted: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from Charles C. Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland in the late 1800s, who faced social ostracism for his unfair practices.
• The word was originally used to describe a social withdrawal in response to perceived injustice.
• It was first recorded in print in the 1880s during the Irish Land War.

Historical Context

• The tactic of boycotting was notably used during the American Civil Rights Movement to protest against segregation.
• In 1970, U.S. transit workers boycotted their buses to push for better wages, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective action.
• The boycott against South African goods in the 1980s was an important part of the anti-apartheid movement.

Art and Culture

• Boycotting has inspired various artworks, including literature that explores themes of social justice and activism.
• In film and theater, boycotts are often depicted to showcase characters standing up against corporate greed or social injustice.
• Songs of protest often reference boycotting as a symbol of collective resistance, highlighting its cultural significance.

Psychology

• The act of boycotting can be a powerful group dynamic, reinforcing group identity among participants.
• Psychological studies show that collective boycotting actions often lead to increased solidarity among the boycotters.
• Feelings of empowerment can arise from participating in boycotts, as individuals take a stand for their beliefs.

Global Implications

• Boycotting can spread quickly through social media, turning local actions into global movements.
• Recent boycotts have targeted companies for environmental issues, reflecting growing concerns about sustainability.
• International boycotts can impact economies, influencing corporate policies and governmental action on various issues.

At rank #25,891, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25888 kiosk
• 25889 profligacy
• 25890 uncooperative
• 25891 boycotted
• 25892 intransigence
• 25893 scripting
• 25894 quiescence
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