I feel a growing sense that it's not so much a property of a 'normal democratic system' that minorities are protected, but rather that other processes enshrined

I feel a growing sense that it's not so much a property of a 'normal democratic system' that minorities are protected, but rather that other processes enshrined these values (including democracy) in institutions. And while democracy does quite likely facilitate the institutionalization of these processes, it's 'causal' role in this is perhaps weaker than we think. This is the reason why I often worry about the growing xenophobia and populism in political activity. It seems much more the case that politicians sway popular opinion than the other way around, creating tempest in teapots, some of which become 'societal issues' that really aren't. It's also a reason why I've become curious (but still quite skeptical, I must admit) about these 'alternative' democratic approaches that don't assume voting (and by extension majority rule) to be the basis of democracy. That said, I might be saying colossally silly things here. I'm in an armchair. Please correct me, or point me to interesting resources, as I am very invested in this topic.