historically, and to a greater or lesser degree depending on the country in question, yes, a primary role of peaceful protest is to embolden other like-minded individuals in order to further a movement and attract media attention. obviously this can ultimately set the stage for change, but it doesn't always materialize, particularly if there's not a concerted and sustained effort. i agree with others that in western countries the effect is less and less pronounced, and yet, harnessing the interwebz for online protest, organizing live protests and awareness-raising (as opposed to just the trad marches and picket signs) seems to be on the upswing. for example the huge marches against union-busting in wisconsin recently. they were surprisingly high profile and have spurred at least proposed legislative protections in other states, not to mention exposing ridiculous politicians being unabashedly corrupt.
