Rich’s feared the appearance of capitulation more than the boycott itself

Evidence

As bad as a boycott would be for business, the alternative seemed no better. “He was in terror that his company would be charged with caving in to black pressure, a public relations gaffe that could cost him millions of dollars,” Abram recalled. “Moreover, what would happen if black crusaders should then target en masse on Rich’s to really integrate its segregated dining and rest room facilities, while his competitors had a free ride?” In spite of the pressure, Rich and his associates decided to hold their ground. — Kevin M. Kruse, White Flight, 424

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Rich’s closed its lunch counters rather than face integration — Kevin M. Kruse, White Flight: Atlanta and the Making of…, 433; The Rich’s boycott succeeded beyond the expectations of both its supporters and opponents — Kevin M. Kruse, White Flight: Atlanta and the Making of…, 425; Commercial fear of a boycott secured Dreyfus’ pardon where moral campaigns failed

Broader Connections

• Commercial fear of a boycott secured Dreyfus’ pardon where moral campaigns failed #exemplifies (0.82)