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This protest movement may not be televised, but it could have amphibious toes and protruding eyes.

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

As demonstrations opposing the administration continue in American cities, protesters are utilizing the energy of a community costume parade. They have taught salsa lessons, distributed treats, and performed on unicycles, as police observe.

Blending levity and political action – a strategy social scientists refer to as "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. But it has become a hallmark of US demonstrations in the current era, adopted by both left and right.

And one symbol has emerged as particularly salient – the frog. It originated after a video of a confrontation between a man in a frog suit and ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, became an internet sensation. From there, it proliferated to rallies across the country.

"There is much going on with that humble frog costume," states a professor, a professor at University of California, Davis and an academic who specialises in performance art.

The Path From the Pepe Meme to the Streets of Portland

It's challenging to discuss protests and frogs without mentioning Pepe, a cartoon character embraced by extremist movements throughout a political race.

As the meme first took off online, people used it to signal specific feelings. Later, it was deployed to show support for a political figure, including a particular image retweeted by the candidate personally, showing Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

The frog was also portrayed in right-wing online communities in more extreme scenarios, as a historical dictator. Users exchanged "unique frog images" and established digital currency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "that feels good", became a shared phrase.

Yet its beginnings were not this divisive.

The artist behind it, artist Matt Furie, has stated about his unhappiness for its co-option. The character was intended as simply a relaxed amphibian in his series.

Pepe first appeared in an online comic in 2005 – apolitical and best known for a particular bathroom habit. A film, which documents the creator's attempt to reclaim ownership of his creation, he stated his drawing was inspired by his life with companions.

Early in his career, the artist experimented with uploading his work to the nascent social web, where the community began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As its popularity grew into fringe areas of the internet, the creator tried to disavow his creation, including ending its life in a comic strip.

But Pepe lived on.

"This demonstrates that creators cannot own icons," states the professor. "They can change and shift and be reworked."

Previously, the association of Pepe meant that frogs were predominantly linked to the right. A transformation occurred recently, when an incident between a protestor wearing an inflatable frog costume and an immigration officer in Portland went viral.

This incident occurred shortly after a decision to send the National Guard to the city, which was described as "a warzone". Activists began to congregate at a specific location, just outside of an ICE office.

The situation was tense and a officer sprayed pepper spray at the individual, aiming directly into the ventilation of the costume.

Seth Todd, Seth Todd, responded with a joke, stating he had tasted "spicier tamales". However, the video went viral.

Mr Todd's attire was somewhat typical for Portland, famous for its quirky culture and activist demonstrations that revel in the ridiculous – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. The city's unofficial motto is "Keep Portland Weird."

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

While a judge decided in October that the administration was within its rights to deploy troops, a minority opinion disagreed, noting in her opinion demonstrators' "well-known penchant for donning inflatable costumes when expressing dissent."

"Observers may be tempted this decision, which adopts the description of Portland as a battlefield, as simply ridiculous," Judge Susan Graber opined. "Yet the outcome has serious implications."

The action was "permanently" blocked just a month later, and personnel withdrew from the city.

However, by that time, the frog had become a significant symbol of resistance for progressive movements.

This symbol was spotted in many cities at No Kings protests recently. Frogs appeared – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They appeared in small towns and global metropolises like Tokyo and London.

This item was in high demand on online retailers, and rose in price.

Shaping the Visual Story

What connects the two amphibian symbols – is the interplay between the silly, innocent image and a deeper political meaning. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

This approach rests on what the professor calls the "irresistible image" – frequently absurd, it's a "disarming and charming" display that draws focus to a cause without needing obviously explaining them. This is the silly outfit you wear, or the symbol you share.

Mr Bogad is an analyst in the subject and an experienced participant. He's written a text on the subject, and taught workshops around the world.

"You could go back to the Middle Ages – under oppressive regimes, they use absurdity to speak the truth a little bit and while maintaining plausible deniability."

The idea of such tactics is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad explains.

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