PROTESTING vs. PERSUASION

Protesting, in the sense of large assemblies of people, is an effective way of bringing attention to a cause. Whether or not it changes minds is questionable. Although I'm certain most protesters don't see it this way, that tactic is intended to intimidate. Most people do not like being challenged in this way and resist just out of resentment. Unless there is actual violence, as there was in Baltimore, not much changes because of these demonstrations.

Persuasion is more difficult but in the long run more successful.  If you do not change the hearts and minds of your opponents and/or gain the attention of the disinterested, all the protesting in the world will have little effect. Persuasion is presenting both sides of an issue, not just yours, and giving reasons to reject one and support yours. This, itself, is easy to do. The hard part is getting people to listen. Generally, if an event is scheduled to inform, only the choir shows up.  Getting the uninformed, disinterested, disenchanted and ignorant people's attention is almost impossible.

PROTESTING WITH VIOLENCE AGAINST INNOCENT PEOPLE WILL HURT YOUR CAUSE.