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The revolution isn't televised, but it could have webbed feet and large eyes.

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

Whilst rallies against the leadership persist in American cities, protesters are utilizing the spirit of a neighborhood dress-up party. They've offered dance instruction, handed out snacks, and ridden unicycles, as police look on.

Blending humour and political action – a strategy researchers call "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. However, it has emerged as a hallmark of US demonstrations in recent years, embraced by both left and right.

One particular emblem has emerged as particularly salient – the frog. It began when recordings of a clash between an individual in a frog suit and immigration enforcement agents in Portland, Oregon, went viral. From there, it proliferated to demonstrations across the country.

"A great deal at play with that small blow-up amphibian," says a professor, who teaches at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who studies performance art.

From Pepe to Portland

It's hard to discuss demonstrations and amphibians without talking about Pepe, a web comic frog embraced by online communities throughout a political race.

As the meme initially spread online, its purpose was to express specific feelings. Later, it was utilized to express backing for a candidate, including a particular image endorsed by that figure personally, portraying the frog with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in right-wing online communities in more extreme scenarios, as a hate group member. Online conservatives traded "rare Pepes" and established cryptocurrency in his name. Its famous line, "feels good, man", was deployed a shared phrase.

Yet the character did not originate so controversial.

The artist behind it, the illustrator, has stated about his distaste for its co-option. His creation was meant as simply an apolitical figure in his series.

Pepe debuted in an online comic in the mid-2000s – non-political and famous for a particular bathroom habit. A film, which chronicles the creator's attempt to reclaim ownership of his work, he stated the character came from his time with friends and roommates.

Early in his career, Mr Furie tried sharing his art to new websites, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As Pepe spread into the more extreme corners of online spaces, Mr Furie tried to disavow the frog, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"This demonstrates that creators cannot own imagery," states Prof Bogad. "They can change and shift and be reworked."

Previously, the popularity of this meme meant that frogs were predominantly linked to conservative politics. But that changed in early October, when an incident between an activist dressed in an inflatable frog costume and an immigration officer in Portland captured global attention.

This incident came just days after an order to deploy military personnel to Portland, which was described as "war-ravaged". Demonstrators began to assemble in large numbers at a specific location, just outside of a federal building.

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

The protester, the man in the costume, quipped, remarking he had tasted "something milder". But the incident spread everywhere.

Mr Todd's attire was not too unusual for the city, known for its eccentric vibe and left-wing protests that delight in the unusual – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. The city's unofficial motto is "Embrace the Strange."

The frog was also referenced in subsequent court proceedings between the administration and Portland, which argued the deployment was illegal.

While a ruling was issued that month that the administration had the right to deploy troops, a dissenting judge wrote, noting in her opinion demonstrators' "well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits while voicing dissent."

"Observers may be tempted the court's opinion, which accepts the description of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd," she opined. "Yet the outcome has serious implications."

The deployment was stopped legally subsequently, and personnel withdrew from the area.

Yet already, the amphibian costume had become a significant symbol of resistance for the left.

This symbol was spotted in many cities at No Kings protests that fall. Frogs appeared – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They were in rural communities and big international cities like Tokyo and London.

The inflatable suit was backordered on major websites, and became more expensive.

Controlling the Visual Story

What connects both frogs together – lies in the dynamic between the humorous, benign cartoon and underlying political significance. This is what "tactical frivolity."

The strategy relies on what the professor calls the "irresistible image" – usually humorous, it acts as a "appealing and non-threatening" act that draws focus to your ideas without directly articulating them. This is the silly outfit used, or the meme you share.

Mr Bogad is both an expert in the subject and someone who uses these tactics. He authored a text on the subject, and led seminars internationally.

"You could go back to historical periods – when people are dominated, absurd humor is used to speak the truth indirectly and while maintaining a layer of protection."

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

When activists take on a powerful opposition, a silly costume {takes control of|seizes|influences