It's important to look beyond the simple explanations of ego gratification for the protestors.  What benefits have protestors ever gained?  They tend to be vilified, humiliated, beaten and killed.  All of this for ego gratification?  I think not.  It is those who stand up for social injustice and make us see it in living color are the true patriots.  They are the beacons of freedom and social justice.  That they make you uncomfortable...well, that's the idea.  The question is what are you going to do about these injustices?  Turn a blind eye, perhaps?  Vilify the messenger?