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The resistance may not be televised, yet it might possess webbed feet and protruding eyes.

It also might feature the horn of a unicorn or the plumage of a chicken.

Whilst protests opposing the leadership continue in American cities, demonstrators are utilizing the vibe of a neighborhood dress-up party. They've provided dance instruction, distributed snacks, and ridden unicycles, as police watch.

Blending comedy and politics – an approach researchers call "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. But it has become a defining feature of US demonstrations in the current era, adopted by both left and right.

One particular emblem has risen to become notably significant – the frog. It originated when a video of a clash between a protester in a frog suit and immigration enforcement agents in Portland, Oregon, spread online. And it has since spread to rallies throughout the United States.

"A great deal happening with that humble inflatable frog," says LM Bogad, who teaches at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who specialises in creative activism.

The Path From Pepe to the Streets of Portland

It's challenging to discuss protests and frogs without mentioning Pepe, an illustrated figure co-opted by far-right groups throughout a political race.

When this image gained popularity online, it was used to signal certain emotions. Afterwards, its use evolved to express backing for a candidate, even a particular image endorsed by that figure personally, showing Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in right-wing online communities in offensive ways, portrayed as a historical dictator. Online conservatives exchanged "rare Pepes" and set up digital currency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "feels good, man", became an inside joke.

Yet its beginnings were not so controversial.

The artist behind it, artist Matt Furie, has been vocal about his unhappiness for its appropriation. The character was intended as simply a relaxed amphibian in his comic world.

This character first appeared in a series of comics in 2005 – non-political and famous for a particular bathroom habit. In 'Feels Good Man', which follows the creator's attempt to take back of his work, he said his drawing was inspired by his experiences with companions.

When he began, Mr Furie experimented with uploading his work to early internet platforms, where people online began to borrow, remix and reinvent the frog. As its popularity grew into fringe areas of online spaces, the creator tried to disavow the frog, including ending its life in a comic strip.

But Pepe lived on.

"It proves that we don't control symbols," states Prof Bogad. "They transform and be reworked."

Until recently, the association of Pepe resulted in frogs were predominantly linked to the right. This shifted recently, when an incident between a protestor dressed in an inflatable frog costume and an immigration officer in Portland, Oregon spread rapidly online.

The event came just days after a decision to deploy military personnel to the city, which was called "a warzone". Protesters began to assemble in large numbers at a specific location, near a federal building.

Emotions ran high and a officer sprayed pepper spray at the individual, targeting the opening of the inflatable suit.

The protester, Seth Todd, responded with a joke, stating he had tasted "something milder". However, the video spread everywhere.

Mr Todd's attire fit right in for the city, famous for its unconventional spirit and left-wing protests that revel in the ridiculous – outdoor exercise, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and unique parades. The city's unofficial motto is "Embrace the Strange."

This symbol was also referenced in subsequent court proceedings between the administration and the city, which argued the use of troops was illegal.

Although a ruling was issued that month that the president had the right to send personnel, a dissenting judge wrote, mentioning the protesters' "well-known penchant for wearing chicken suits when expressing their disagreement."

"It is easy to see this decision, which adopts the government's characterization as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," Judge Susan Graber stated. "Yet the outcome has serious implications."

The action was halted by courts soon after, and troops are said to have left the area.

However, by that time, the frog had become a significant protest icon for the left.

The costume was spotted in many cities at anti-authoritarian protests recently. There were frogs – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They appeared in small towns and global metropolises like Tokyo and London.

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

Shaping the Visual Story

What brings both frogs together – is the relationship between the silly, innocent image and a deeper political meaning. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

The strategy is based on what the professor calls a "disarming display" – often silly, it's a "appealing and non-threatening" performance that draws focus to a message without needing obviously explaining them. This is the silly outfit you wear, or the symbol circulated.

Mr Bogad is an analyst in the subject and an experienced participant. He authored a book called 'Tactical Performance', and led seminars internationally.

"You could go back to historical periods – under oppressive regimes, absurd humor is used to express dissent indirectly and while maintaining a layer of protection."

The purpose of such tactics is three-fold, he says.

As activists confront a powerful opposition, humorous attire {takes control of|seizes|influences