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The protest movement may not be broadcast, though it may feature amphibious toes and bulging eyes.

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

While rallies against the administration persist in US cities, participants are adopting the vibe of a community costume parade. They've provided salsa lessons, given away snacks, and ridden unicycles, while armed law enforcement watch.

Combining levity and political action – an approach researchers refer to as "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. But it has become a hallmark of American protest in the current era, embraced by all sides of the political spectrum.

One particular emblem has proven to be notably significant – the frog. It began when a video of a confrontation between a man in a frog suit and ICE agents in the city of Portland, became an internet sensation. From there, it proliferated to rallies across the country.

"There is much at play with that humble inflatable frog," notes LM Bogad, a professor at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who focuses on creative activism.

The Path From Pepe to the Streets of Portland

It's challenging to discuss demonstrations and amphibians without addressing Pepe, an illustrated figure adopted by far-right groups throughout a political race.

Initially, when this image first took off online, it was used to convey specific feelings. Afterwards, its use evolved to express backing for a candidate, even a particular image endorsed by that figure personally, depicting Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Images also circulated in right-wing online communities in more extreme scenarios, portrayed as a hate group member. Participants traded "rare Pepes" and set up cryptocurrency in his name. His catchphrase, "feels good, man", was used a shared phrase.

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

Its creator, the illustrator, has stated about his disapproval for how the image has been used. Pepe was supposed to be simply an apolitical figure in his comic world.

The frog first appeared in comic strips in the mid-2000s – non-political and notable for a quirky behavior. A film, which chronicles Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his creation, he stated the character came from his time with companions.

Early in his career, Mr Furie tried uploading his work to early internet platforms, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As its popularity grew into fringe areas of online spaces, the creator tried to disavow the frog, even killing him off in a comic strip.

Yet the frog persisted.

"This demonstrates that we don't control symbols," states the professor. "Their meaning can evolve and be repurposed."

For a long time, the association of this meme meant that amphibian imagery were largely associated with the right. A transformation occurred on a day in October, when an incident between an activist dressed in an inflatable frog costume and a federal agent in Portland went viral.

This incident came just days after a decision to send military personnel to the city, which was described as "a warzone". Protesters began to congregate on a single block, near an ICE office.

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

The protester, Seth Todd, quipped, stating he had tasted "spicier tamales". But the incident became a sensation.

The frog suit fit right in for Portland, famous for its quirky culture and activist demonstrations that embrace the ridiculous – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. A local saying is "Keep Portland Weird."

The costume became part of in the ensuing legal battle between the administration and Portland, which claimed the use of troops was illegal.

While a ruling was issued in October that the president had the right to deploy troops, a minority opinion disagreed, mentioning demonstrators' "known tendency for using unusual attire when expressing their disagreement."

"Some might view this decision, which adopts the government's characterization as a war zone, as merely absurd," the dissenting judge stated. "But today's decision has serious implications."

The action was "permanently" blocked subsequently, and troops withdrew from the area.

However, by that time, the frog had transformed into a powerful anti-administration symbol for the left.

The costume was seen in many cities at No Kings protests last autumn. Amphibian costumes were present – along with other creatures – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They were in rural communities and big international cities like Tokyo and London.

This item was in high demand on online retailers, and saw its cost increase.

Mastering the Visual Story

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

This approach rests on what the professor calls the "irresistible image" – often silly, it acts as a "appealing and non-threatening" act that highlights a cause without needing obviously explaining them. It's the silly outfit you wear, or the meme circulated.

Mr Bogad is both an expert on this topic and a veteran practitioner. He's written a text on the subject, and taught workshops internationally.

"One can look back to historical periods – when people are dominated, absurd humor is used to express dissent a little bit and still have a layer of protection."

The theory of this approach is three-fold, Mr Bogad explains.

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