General Discussion

The whole civil rights movement was based on peaceful protest.
The women's suffrage movement eventually won them the right to vote.
Tens of thousands of protests in town halls across the United States have brought about local, state, and, in some cases, national change.
It's the demonstration of the national consciousness that protests put on display. The purpose is to rally support, clarify the issues, and show a united front that stimulates change.
I agree that demonstrations are performative. That's the whole point. It's the power behind the performance where the energies of change lie.
We can effect change when we are united and move as a body public, not just individuals.
I guarantee that people in power are afraid of us. Why else would they be considering legislation to prevent us from exercising our power.
The real problem is with people who don't believe we can effect change; people who don't vote; people who are too detached or afraid to speak up.
Protests are magnets that attract and energize the public to take that next step and make things happen through force of numbers.
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. That's the driving force behind public protests.