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This resistance won't be broadcast, though it may feature amphibious toes and bulging eyes.

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

Whilst protests opposing the government carry on in US cities, demonstrators are adopting the spirit of a community costume parade. They've provided salsa lessons, handed out snacks, and ridden unicycles, while police watch.

Combining humour and political action – a tactic researchers term "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. Yet it has transformed into a signature characteristic of US demonstrations in recent years, used by all sides of the political spectrum.

One particular emblem has proven to be notably significant – the frog. It began when video footage of a clash between a man in a frog suit and immigration enforcement agents in Portland, Oregon, became an internet sensation. It subsequently appeared to rallies across the country.

"There is much going on with that little frog costume," notes an expert, a professor at UC Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who studies performance art.

From the Pepe Meme to the Streets of Portland

It's challenging to discuss demonstrations and amphibians without addressing Pepe, a web comic frog co-opted by extremist movements during a previous presidential campaign.

Initially, when this image first took off online, people used it to convey specific feelings. Subsequently, it was deployed to show support for a political figure, including one notable meme retweeted by that figure personally, portraying Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in digital spaces in more extreme scenarios, as a hate group member. Online conservatives traded "unique frog images" and established digital currency using its likeness. Its famous line, "feels good, man", was used a shared phrase.

But the character did not originate this divisive.

The artist behind it, artist Matt Furie, has been vocal about his disapproval for how the image has been used. His creation was meant as simply an apolitical figure in this artist's universe.

This character first appeared in comic strips in the mid-2000s – non-political and best known for a quirky behavior. In 'Feels Good Man', which chronicles the creator's attempt to reclaim ownership of his creation, he explained his drawing was inspired by his life with companions.

As he started out, Mr Furie experimented with sharing his art to new websites, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As its popularity grew into darker parts of the internet, Mr Furie attempted to distance himself from the frog, even killing him off in a comic strip.

Yet the frog persisted.

"It shows that we don't control symbols," states Prof Bogad. "Their meaning can evolve and be repurposed."

Previously, the popularity of Pepe resulted in amphibian imagery were largely associated with conservative politics. A transformation occurred recently, when an incident between an activist wearing an inflatable frog costume and a federal agent in Portland went viral.

This incident came just days after a directive to deploy military personnel to Portland, which was described as "war-ravaged". Protesters began to congregate on a single block, near a federal building.

The situation was tense and a officer used irritant at a protester, aiming directly into the opening of the costume.

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

Mr Todd's attire was somewhat typical for the city, known for its eccentric vibe and activist demonstrations that delight in the ridiculous – outdoor exercise, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. Its creed is "Keep Portland Weird."

This symbol became part of in the ensuing legal battle between the administration and Portland, which argued the deployment was unlawful.

Although a ruling was issued in October that the administration was within its rights to send personnel, a minority opinion disagreed, noting in her opinion demonstrators' "known tendency for donning inflatable costumes when expressing dissent."

"Observers may be tempted the majority's ruling, which adopts the description of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd," the dissenting judge opined. "But today's decision goes beyond absurdity."

The deployment was halted by courts subsequently, and troops have reportedly departed the city.

However, by that time, the amphibian costume had transformed into a potent symbol of resistance for progressive movements.

The costume appeared in many cities at No Kings protests recently. Amphibian costumes were present – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in major US cities. They were in small towns and big international cities abroad.

The inflatable suit was in high demand on online retailers, and saw its cost increase.

Controlling the Visual Story

The link between both frogs together – is the dynamic between the silly, innocent image and a deeper political meaning. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

The tactic is based on what the professor terms the "irresistible image" – usually humorous, it acts as a "disarming and charming" display that calls attention to your ideas without needing directly articulating them. This is the goofy costume you wear, or the meme circulated.

The professor is an analyst in the subject and someone who uses these tactics. He authored a book on the subject, and led seminars around the world.

"One can look back to the Middle Ages – under oppressive regimes, they use absurdity to speak the truth a little bit and still have plausible deniability."

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

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