The protests matter.
History shows us how and why. It also shows us that thinking they don’t matter is pretty common. If even 10% of Americans showed up to protest you would see instant, dramatic changes the next day. And it tends to snowball. Americans are not as powerless between elections as they have convinced themselves they are.
I think that deep down they know all this, but it’s easier to claim it won’t matter.
To better protect myself from cognitive biases I try to put my faith in the consensus of the experts. Otherwise we all just waste time cycling through old, ego-fueled debates that have been fully explored before we were even born.
In the case of protesting: the overwhelming consensus is that protests matter. If you don’t have the time/inclanation to defend a disertation as to why they don’t: you should listen to those that have. Unfortunately the experts don’t have the resources to play whack-a-mole with every objection any person can claim on any platform. If you want that you need to go to school. Until then trust and protest. The longer you wait the harder it will be.
Maybe search a little more broadly then in the United States. I can’t convince you, but America is not some unique civilization that transcends human nature.
Likewise, the purpose of protesting isn’t to simply change the minds of the electorate and make them more invested. It is far more nuanced and powerful then that. I’m tempted tomlist some ways it helps, but I recognize that one can always justify their inaction.
The first step is to take a leap of faith; get connected with the growing number of Americans who are bravely and nonvoilently standing against this tyranny. Protesting is just one part of the puzzle. Maybe there is another you feel empowered to do.
Good luck.