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The protest movement won't be broadcast, though it may feature webbed feet and protruding eyes.

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

As protests opposing the government persist in American cities, participants have embraced the spirit of a local block party. They've provided dance instruction, given away treats, and ridden unicycles, as officers look on.

Combining levity and politics – a tactic researchers term "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. Yet it has transformed into a hallmark of US demonstrations in this period, adopted by various groups.

One particular emblem has risen to become notably significant – the frog. It began after recordings of a confrontation between an individual in an amphibian costume and ICE agents in the city of Portland, became an internet sensation. And it has since spread to rallies across the country.

"There is much at play with that humble inflatable frog," notes LM Bogad, who teaches at University of California, Davis and an academic who studies political performance.

The Path From Pepe to Portland

It is difficult to examine demonstrations and amphibians without mentioning Pepe, a web comic frog adopted by extremist movements during a political race.

Initially, when the meme first took off on the internet, people used it to convey specific feelings. Subsequently, its use evolved to show support for a political figure, even one notable meme shared by the candidate himself, showing Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in certain internet forums in darker contexts, as a hate group member. Online conservatives traded "rare Pepes" and set up cryptocurrency in his name. His catchphrase, "that feels good", was used a coded signal.

Yet Pepe didn't start out as a political symbol.

Its creator, artist Matt Furie, has expressed about his distaste for its co-option. His creation was meant as simply a relaxed amphibian in this artist's universe.

Pepe debuted in a series of comics in 2005 – apolitical and famous for a particular bathroom habit. In 'Feels Good Man', which follows Mr Furie's efforts to wrest back control of his work, he stated his drawing came from his experiences with companions.

As he started out, the artist experimented with uploading his work to early internet platforms, where people online began to borrow, remix and reinvent the frog. As Pepe spread into fringe areas of the internet, the creator attempted to distance himself from the frog, including ending its life in a comic strip.

But Pepe lived on.

"It shows that creators cannot own symbols," explains Prof Bogad. "They transform and be reclaimed."

Previously, the notoriety of this meme meant that amphibian imagery were predominantly linked to conservative politics. A transformation occurred on a day in October, when a confrontation between a protestor dressed in a blow-up amphibian suit and a federal agent in Portland went viral.

This incident followed an order to send the National Guard to Portland, which was called "a warzone". Activists began to congregate on a single block, near an immigration enforcement facility.

Emotions ran high and a officer used irritant at the individual, targeting the opening of the costume.

Seth Todd, the man in the costume, reacted humorously, stating he had tasted "spicier tamales". However, the video spread everywhere.

Mr Todd's attire was not too unusual for the city, known for its eccentric vibe and activist demonstrations that embrace the ridiculous – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. A local saying is "Keep Portland Weird."

The costume even played a role in the ensuing legal battle between the federal government and the city, which argued the deployment was unlawful.

Although the court ruled that month that the president was within its rights to deploy troops, a minority opinion disagreed, noting in her opinion the protesters' "propensity for donning inflatable costumes when expressing their disagreement."

"Some might view the majority's ruling, which accepts the description of Portland as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," Judge Susan Graber stated. "Yet the outcome has serious implications."

The order was "permanently" blocked just a month later, and troops have reportedly departed the city.

However, by that time, the amphibian costume had transformed into a powerful protest icon for progressive movements.

This symbol was spotted across the country at No Kings protests recently. There were frogs – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They were in small towns and global metropolises abroad.

The frog costume was in high demand on online retailers, and saw its cost increase.

Shaping the Optics

The link between Pepe and the protest frog – lies in the dynamic between the humorous, benign cartoon and serious intent. This is what "tactical frivolity."

The tactic relies on what the professor calls a "disarming display" – frequently absurd, it acts as a "disarming and charming" display that draws focus to a message without directly articulating them. It's the unusual prop used, or the symbol you share.

Mr Bogad is both an expert in the subject and a veteran practitioner. He authored a text called 'Tactical Performance', and taught workshops internationally.

"One can look back to historical periods – under oppressive regimes, absurd humor is used to express dissent a little bit and still have a layer of protection."

The theory of such tactics is multi-faceted, he explains.

As protesters confront a powerful opposition, a silly costume {takes control of|seizes|influences