Why are Zen and Tibetan Buddhism(s) more popular in the west than Theravada Buddhism?

I heard it's because the Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis don't have enough Dana support from the lay community, a case of 'it's less popular because it's less popular'. Could there be other reasons? Are Zen and Tibetan more politically in tune with the west?

I'd say it's because more practitioners from those sects are immigrating to the west than the practitioners of Theravada.

Where Bhikkus have attempted to set up communities, as in the UK, USA, Switzerland, Italy, etc., they have met with lots of generosity. I think the main reason is that with Theravada, there is less opportunity for lay supporters to pick and choose what they want to live by. There is more emphasis on the precepts, whereas what Westerners like is to treat other spiritual traditions like a shopping-trip and take the bits they want. And in the case of Tibetan Buddhism, there is the charismatic example of the Dalai Lama and the emotional appeal of the oppression of the Tibetan people.

$$$ and $$$
Strange eyes you have these days

Well, in traditional Theravada Buddhism it's highly encouraged for one to become a monk, and in fact, Theravada Buddhism says only a monk can attain enlightenment. Mahayana is a little more open and relaxed, especially in regards to laypeople. Of course, there's the Vipassana Movement, but that's not really traditional Theravada.