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The protest movement isn't broadcast, but it could have amphibious toes and bulging eyes.

Additionally, it could include the horn of a unicorn or a chicken's feathers.

While protests opposing the administration continue in US cities, demonstrators have embraced the vibe of a neighborhood dress-up party. They've offered dance instruction, given away treats, and performed on unicycles, as police observe.

Combining comedy and political action – a tactic researchers term "tactical frivolity" – is not new. However, it has emerged as a signature characteristic of US demonstrations in the current era, adopted by various groups.

One particular emblem has proven to be particularly salient – the frog. It originated after video footage of a clash between an individual in an amphibian costume and immigration enforcement agents in Portland, Oregon, spread online. From there, it proliferated to demonstrations across the country.

"A great deal happening with that humble blow-up amphibian," states a professor, who teaches at UC Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who focuses on creative activism.

From the Pepe Meme to Portland

It is difficult to discuss protests and frogs without talking about Pepe, an illustrated figure adopted by far-right groups throughout a previous presidential campaign.

When the meme first took off on the internet, its purpose was to signal certain emotions. Subsequently, its use evolved to endorse a candidate, even a particular image shared by the candidate personally, depicting the frog with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in right-wing online communities in offensive ways, as a hate group member. Participants traded "unique frog images" and set up digital currency in his name. Its famous line, "that feels good", was used an inside joke.

However its beginnings were not this divisive.

Its creator, artist Matt Furie, has stated about his disapproval for how the image has been used. Pepe was supposed to be simply a "chill frog-dude" in this artist's universe.

Pepe first appeared in an online comic in 2005 – apolitical and notable for a particular bathroom habit. A film, which chronicles Mr Furie's efforts to take back of his work, he said the character was inspired by his life with friends and roommates.

As he started out, the artist experimented with uploading his work to new websites, where people online began to copy, alter, and reinterpret his character. When the meme proliferated into the more extreme corners of online spaces, the creator tried to disavow the frog, including ending its life in a comic strip.

However, its legacy continued.

"It proves that we don't control symbols," states the professor. "They can change and shift and be repurposed."

Previously, the notoriety of Pepe resulted in amphibian imagery were largely associated with conservative politics. But that changed recently, when a confrontation between a protestor wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and an immigration officer in Portland spread rapidly online.

The event came just days after a decision to send military personnel to the city, which was called "war-ravaged". Protesters began to congregate outside a facility, just outside of an ICE office.

The situation was tense and an immigration officer sprayed pepper spray at the individual, aiming directly into the opening of the puffy frog costume.

Seth Todd, Seth Todd, reacted humorously, remarking he had tasted "something milder". But the incident went viral.

The costume was somewhat typical for the city, famous for its quirky culture and left-wing protests that delight in the absurd – outdoor exercise, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and nude cycling groups. The city's unofficial motto is "Keep Portland Weird."

This symbol was also referenced in subsequent court proceedings between the administration and Portland, which claimed the deployment was unlawful.

While the court ruled that month that the administration had the right to send personnel, a minority opinion disagreed, referencing in her ruling the protesters' "propensity for using unusual attire when expressing their disagreement."

"Some might view the court's opinion, which adopts the description of Portland as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," she wrote. "Yet the outcome is not merely absurd."

The deployment was stopped legally soon after, and troops have reportedly departed the area.

However, by that time, the amphibian costume was now a powerful symbol of resistance for progressive movements.

This symbol was spotted across the country at anti-authoritarian protests recently. There were frogs – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They appeared in rural communities and big international cities like Tokyo and London.

This item was in high demand on online retailers, and rose in price.

Shaping the Narrative

What brings the two amphibian symbols – lies in the relationship between the humorous, benign cartoon and serious intent. This is what "tactical frivolity."

This approach is based on what the professor calls a "disarming display" – often silly, it acts as a "disarming and charming" display that draws focus to a message without obviously explaining them. It's the goofy costume used, or the meme circulated.

Mr Bogad is an analyst on this topic and an experienced participant. He authored a book called 'Tactical Performance', and led seminars internationally.

"One can look back to historical periods – when people are dominated, they use absurdity to express dissent a little bit and still have a layer of protection."

The purpose of this approach is three-fold, he explains.

When activists take on authority, humorous attire {takes control of|seizes|influences