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The revolution may not be televised, but it could have amphibious toes and protruding eyes.

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

Whilst rallies against the administration carry on in American cities, protesters are utilizing the spirit of a community costume parade. They've offered dance instruction, handed out treats, and performed on unicycles, while officers observe.

Combining levity and politics – a strategy researchers refer to as "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. But it has become a defining feature of American protest in this period, embraced by all sides of the political spectrum.

One particular emblem has proven to be notably significant – the frog. It originated when recordings of an encounter between an individual in a frog suit and ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, spread online. From there, it proliferated to rallies nationwide.

"A great deal at play with that little inflatable frog," says an expert, a professor at UC Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who specialises in creative activism.

The Path From Pepe to Portland

It's hard to discuss demonstrations and amphibians without talking about Pepe, an illustrated figure co-opted by extremist movements throughout a political race.

When the meme initially spread on the internet, people used it to convey specific feelings. Afterwards, it was deployed to express backing for a political figure, even a particular image retweeted by the candidate personally, showing the frog with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

The frog was also portrayed in digital spaces in more extreme scenarios, as a hate group member. Participants traded "unique frog images" and set up digital currency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "that feels good", became an inside joke.

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

Matt Furie, artist Matt Furie, has expressed about his disapproval for its appropriation. His creation was meant as simply a "chill frog-dude" in this artist's universe.

Pepe debuted in comic strips in the mid-2000s – non-political and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In 'Feels Good Man', which follows Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his work, he stated the character came from his life with companions.

As he started out, Mr Furie experimented with sharing his art to early internet platforms, where the community began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. When the meme proliferated into fringe areas of online spaces, Mr Furie sought to reject the frog, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"This demonstrates that we don't control symbols," states Prof Bogad. "They transform and be repurposed."

For a long time, the popularity of Pepe meant that frogs became a symbol for conservative politics. A transformation occurred recently, when an incident between a protestor dressed in a blow-up amphibian suit and a federal agent in Portland, Oregon went viral.

The moment followed a decision to send the National Guard to the city, which was described as "war-ravaged". Protesters began to congregate outside a facility, just outside of an ICE office.

The situation was tense and an agent used pepper spray at a protester, directing it into the opening of the inflatable suit.

The protester, the man in the costume, responded with a joke, stating he had tasted "spicier tamales". But the incident went viral.

Mr Todd's attire fit right in for Portland, renowned for its eccentric vibe and activist demonstrations that revel in the unusual – outdoor exercise, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. A local saying is "Embrace the Strange."

This symbol became part of in the ensuing legal battle between the federal government and the city, which contended the use of troops was illegal.

While a ruling was issued that month that the administration was within its rights to deploy troops, one judge dissented, mentioning demonstrators' "well-known penchant for using unusual attire when expressing their disagreement."

"Observers may be tempted this decision, which accepts the government's characterization as a war zone, as merely absurd," Judge Susan Graber stated. "Yet the outcome has serious implications."

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

Yet already, the frog had become a powerful anti-administration symbol for the left.

This symbol was spotted nationwide at anti-authoritarian protests last autumn. There were frogs – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They were in rural communities and big international cities like Tokyo and London.

The frog costume was in high demand on major websites, and rose in price.

Controlling the Optics

What connects both frogs together – lies in the relationship between the humorous, benign cartoon and serious intent. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

This approach is based on what Mr Bogad terms a "disarming display" – usually humorous, it acts as a "disarming and charming" act that calls attention to a cause without needing obviously explaining them. It's the goofy costume you wear, or the meme you share.

Mr Bogad is both an expert on this topic and an experienced participant. He authored a text called 'Tactical Performance', and taught workshops around the world.

"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 purpose of such tactics is multi-faceted, he says.

As activists confront the state, a silly costume {takes control of|seizes|influences