The quote “It's not an effective protest if it's not pissing people off” from John Scalzi's book "Lock In" suggests that for a protest to be impactful, it must provoke a strong reaction. This implies that mild or quiet protests may fail to raise awareness or drive change, as they do not disrupt the status quo or challenge the complacency of those in power. Instead, effective protests create discomfort, forcing society to confront pressing issues.

This perspective emphasizes the need for action that stirs emotions and engages the public. It underscores the idea that significant social change often requires bold strategies that attract attention, even if they may annoy or anger some individuals. Ultimately, the quote advocates for the necessity of making noise in order to be heard and incite meaningful dialogue and reform.