They are not. They are a reminder that we are social animals who ought to treat each other benevolently.
Compulsion is malevolent.
I am an Australian, married a kiwi farmer and came here 11 years ago to live. Since living here in this beautiful country, I have always wondered why so many kiwis have never fight for their rights and just let things that seem to be so wrong, go on. We see that happening now with our small group slowly growing. I am very pleased to say that we know we are making that difference and it is extremely rewarding to actually see people starting to take notice and take back control of their own lives. All we do is talk to them, one by one usually, plus show by example.