[adamnemecek]

There's also a cultural aspect. E.g. Note how people in the us don't protest much, much to their detriment.

[bcook]

Aren't there better ways than protesting to affect change?

[adamnemecek]

There actually aren't. Not as immediate and direct. Occupy Wall Street made a lot of people in power really uncomfortable. Also see the recent president Park protests in South Korea.