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The resistance isn't broadcast, yet it might possess webbed feet and protruding eyes.

Additionally, it could include the horn of a unicorn or the plumage of a chicken.

As demonstrations against the administration carry on in American cities, participants have embraced the energy of a neighborhood dress-up party. They've provided dance instruction, distributed treats, and performed on unicycles, as officers observe.

Combining comedy and politics – an approach researchers refer to as "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. However, it has emerged as a defining feature of American protest in recent years, used by all sides of the political spectrum.

One particular emblem has emerged as notably significant – the frog. It began when video footage of a confrontation between a man in a frog suit and immigration enforcement agents in the city of Portland, spread online. From there, it proliferated to demonstrations across the country.

"There is much happening with that small inflatable frog," notes a professor, who teaches at UC Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who studies creative activism.

The Path From Pepe to Portland

It is difficult to examine protests and frogs without mentioning Pepe, a cartoon character co-opted by extremist movements throughout a political race.

Initially, when this image first took off on the internet, its purpose was to signal specific feelings. Afterwards, its use evolved to endorse a candidate, even one notable meme shared by that figure personally, depicting Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in right-wing online communities in more extreme scenarios, as a hate group member. Users exchanged "rare Pepes" and established digital currency in his name. Its famous line, "that feels good", became a shared phrase.

However Pepe didn't start out this divisive.

The artist behind it, artist Matt Furie, has stated about his distaste for how the image has been used. His creation was meant as simply a relaxed amphibian in his series.

This character first appeared in comic strips in 2005 – apolitical and best known for a quirky behavior. In a documentary, which follows Mr Furie's efforts to take back of his work, he stated his drawing was inspired by his experiences with friends and roommates.

As he started out, Mr Furie tried sharing his art to early internet platforms, where people online began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As its popularity grew into darker parts of the internet, Mr Furie tried to disavow his creation, even killing him off in a final panel.

Yet the frog persisted.

"It proves the lack of control over symbols," explains the professor. "They transform and be reworked."

Previously, the association of this meme resulted in frogs were largely associated with conservative politics. But that changed recently, when a viral moment between a protestor wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and a federal agent in Portland, Oregon captured global attention.

The moment came just days after an order to send the National Guard to the city, which was described as "a warzone". Activists began to congregate outside a facility, near a federal building.

Emotions ran high and a officer sprayed irritant at the individual, aiming directly into the air intake fan of the puffy frog costume.

The individual, the man in the costume, quipped, remarking he had tasted "spicier tamales". But the incident became a sensation.

The costume was somewhat typical for the city, known for its quirky culture and activist demonstrations that revel in the absurd – outdoor exercise, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. Its creed is "Keep Portland Weird."

This symbol became part of in subsequent court proceedings between the federal government and Portland, which argued the use of troops overstepped authority.

Although a judge decided in October that the president had the right to deploy troops, one judge dissented, noting in her opinion demonstrators' "well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits while voicing opposition."

"Some might view the majority's ruling, which accepts 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 personnel withdrew from the area.

But by then, the amphibian costume had become a significant symbol of resistance for progressive movements.

This symbol was spotted nationwide at No Kings protests that fall. Frogs appeared – along with other creatures – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They were in small towns and global metropolises like Tokyo and London.

The frog costume was sold out on online retailers, and became more expensive.

Shaping the Visual Story

What connects both frogs together – lies in the dynamic between the silly, innocent image and serious intent. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

The tactic relies on what the professor calls the "irresistible image" – usually humorous, it acts as a "disarming and charming" act that highlights your ideas without needing directly articulating them. It's the silly outfit you wear, or the symbol circulated.

Mr Bogad is both an expert in the subject and someone who uses these tactics. He authored a book called 'Tactical Performance', and taught workshops internationally.

"You could go back to historical periods – under oppressive regimes, they use absurdity to speak the truth indirectly and while maintaining plausible deniability."

The theory of this approach is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad says.

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