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The resistance won't be televised, though it may feature amphibious toes and protruding eyes.

Furthermore, it may involve the horn of a unicorn or the plumage of a chicken.

Whilst demonstrations opposing the government carry on in American cities, protesters have embraced the vibe of a community costume parade. They have taught dance instruction, distributed snacks, and ridden unicycles, as armed law enforcement watch.

Blending levity and political action – a tactic experts refer to as "tactical frivolity" – is not new. But it has become a defining feature of American protest in the current era, used by various groups.

One particular emblem has proven to be notably significant – the frog. It started when video footage of an encounter between a man in a frog suit and immigration enforcement agents in Portland, Oregon, went viral. It subsequently appeared to demonstrations throughout the United States.

"There is much going on with that little inflatable frog," says an expert, a professor at UC Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who studies political performance.

From a Cartoon Frog to Portland

It's hard to talk about demonstrations and amphibians without addressing Pepe, an illustrated figure co-opted by online communities throughout a political race.

As the meme initially spread on the internet, its purpose was to convey specific feelings. Afterwards, its use evolved to show support for a political figure, including one notable meme retweeted by the candidate himself, showing Pepe with a signature suit and hair.

Pepe was also depicted in digital spaces in more extreme scenarios, as a historical dictator. Participants exchanged "rare Pepes" and established cryptocurrency in his name. Its famous line, "that feels good", was deployed an inside joke.

Yet the character did not originate this divisive.

Matt Furie, artist Matt Furie, has expressed about his unhappiness for how the image has been used. His creation was meant as simply a "chill frog-dude" in his series.

The frog first appeared in a series of comics in 2005 – apolitical and best known for a quirky behavior. In 'Feels Good Man', which documents the creator's attempt to reclaim ownership of his work, he stated his drawing came from his experiences with friends and roommates.

Early in his career, the artist experimented with uploading his work to new websites, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent the frog. When the meme proliferated into fringe areas of the internet, Mr Furie tried to disavow his creation, even killing him off in a final panel.

Yet the frog persisted.

"It proves that we don't control imagery," states Prof Bogad. "Their meaning can evolve and be repurposed."

Until recently, the notoriety of Pepe resulted in frogs were predominantly linked to conservative politics. But that changed in early October, when a viral moment between a protestor wearing an inflatable frog costume and a federal agent in Portland went viral.

The moment occurred shortly after an order to deploy military personnel to the city, which was described as "war-ravaged". Activists began to congregate outside a facility, just outside of a federal building.

Tensions were high and an immigration officer used irritant at a protester, directing it into the opening of the inflatable suit.

The protester, Seth Todd, quipped, stating he had tasted "spicier tamales". However, the video spread everywhere.

Mr Todd's attire was somewhat typical for Portland, known for its eccentric vibe and activist demonstrations that embrace the unusual – outdoor exercise, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and nude cycling groups. The city's unofficial motto is "Embrace the Strange."

The costume became part of in subsequent court proceedings between the administration and the city, which claimed the use of troops was illegal.

Although a judge decided in October that the administration was within its rights to deploy troops, one judge dissented, noting in her opinion the protesters' "known tendency for wearing chicken suits while voicing opposition."

"Observers may be tempted the majority's ruling, which adopts the government's characterization as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," Judge Susan Graber opined. "But today's decision has serious implications."

The order was stopped legally just a month later, and troops are said to have left the area.

Yet already, the frog had transformed into a potent protest icon for progressive movements.

This symbol was seen nationwide at No Kings protests recently. Amphibian costumes were present – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in major US cities. They appeared in rural communities and big international cities like Tokyo and London.

This item was in high demand on online retailers, and became more expensive.

Mastering the Narrative

What brings both frogs together – lies in the dynamic between the silly, innocent image and underlying political significance. This is what "tactical frivolity."

The tactic is based on what the professor terms a "disarming display" – frequently absurd, it acts as a "disarming and charming" display that calls attention to a cause without needing obviously explaining them. This is the unusual prop used, or the symbol you share.

Mr Bogad is an analyst in the subject and someone who uses these tactics. He authored a book on the subject, and led seminars around the world.

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

The theory of such tactics is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad says.

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