Protest motivation(s)?
I’m a professor in Tokyo. Awhile back, one of my classes informally discussed the US bases in Japan. One of my students, who I believe is from an Okinawa-American-base-family, dismissively said that almost all protesters are paid, out there as intentional propaganda rather than from sincere disagreement and dismay. I didn’t have enough knowledge to respond then, so I come to you all now.
The student is both intelligent and sincere, and I don’t believe he’d attempt to lead his classmates astray. He may be misinformed—or right on. So, help me: from what you know, are most protesters acting like they care for a propagandists’ paycheck?
Edit: Thanks for the feedback, stories, and complications. I appreciate your candor and thoughtfulness. With the diversity of ideas and experiences expressed, I'll pass this thread along to my student. It'll be useful.