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The revolution may not be broadcast, though it may feature amphibious toes and bulging eyes.

Additionally, it could include a unicorn's horn or a chicken's feathers.

As protests opposing the administration continue in American cities, participants have embraced the spirit of a community costume parade. They have taught salsa lessons, handed out treats, and ridden unicycles, as police look on.

Blending humour and political action – a tactic social scientists term "tactical frivolity" – is not new. However, it has emerged as a hallmark of US demonstrations in the current era, adopted by various groups.

And one symbol has proven to be particularly salient – the frog. It began when a video of an encounter between an individual in an amphibian costume and federal officers in Portland, Oregon, became an internet sensation. And it has since spread to protests across the country.

"There is much at play with that small frog costume," states a professor, who teaches at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who focuses on creative activism.

The Path From Pepe to the Streets of Portland

It is difficult to talk about demonstrations and amphibians without addressing Pepe, an illustrated figure co-opted by online communities throughout a political race.

When this image initially spread on the internet, people used it to signal certain emotions. Subsequently, it was utilized to express backing for a political figure, even a particular image retweeted by the candidate personally, portraying the frog with a signature suit and hair.

The frog was also portrayed in certain internet forums in darker contexts, as a historical dictator. Participants traded "unique frog images" and set up digital currency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "feels good, man", was deployed a coded signal.

But Pepe didn't start out this divisive.

Its creator, artist Matt Furie, has expressed about his distaste for its appropriation. Pepe was supposed to be simply a "chill frog-dude" in this artist's universe.

Pepe debuted in comic strips in the mid-2000s – non-political and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In 'Feels Good Man', which chronicles Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his work, he stated the character came from his experiences with friends and roommates.

Early in his career, the artist experimented with sharing his art to new websites, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As Pepe spread into darker parts of online spaces, the creator sought to reject the frog, even killing him off in a final panel.

But Pepe lived on.

"It shows the lack of control over icons," states Prof Bogad. "They can change and shift and be reworked."

Until recently, the popularity of Pepe resulted in amphibian imagery were largely associated with the right. But that changed on a day in October, when a viral moment between a protestor dressed in a blow-up amphibian suit and an immigration officer in Portland went viral.

The moment occurred shortly after a decision to deploy military personnel to Portland, which was called "a warzone". Activists began to gather in droves at a specific location, just outside of a federal building.

Emotions ran high and an immigration officer sprayed irritant at the individual, targeting the ventilation of the inflatable suit.

Seth Todd, the man in the costume, quipped, remarking he had tasted "something milder". But the incident went viral.

The costume was somewhat typical for the city, known for its quirky culture and left-wing protests that revel in the ridiculous – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. A local saying is "Keep Portland Weird."

The costume even played a role in a lawsuit between the administration and Portland, which contended the use of troops was illegal.

Although a ruling was issued in October that the president had the right to send personnel, a dissenting judge wrote, mentioning the protesters' "propensity for using unusual attire when expressing opposition."

"Observers may be tempted the court's opinion, which adopts the description of Portland as a battlefield, as simply ridiculous," she wrote. "Yet the outcome has serious implications."

The deployment was halted by courts just a month later, and personnel withdrew from the city.

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

This symbol was seen in many cities at No Kings protests last autumn. There were frogs – along with other creatures – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They were in rural communities and global metropolises abroad.

This item was backordered on online retailers, and became more expensive.

Controlling the Narrative

The link between the two amphibian symbols – is the interplay between the humorous, benign cartoon and serious intent. This is what "tactical frivolity."

The strategy is based on what the professor calls the "irresistible image" – usually humorous, it acts as a "appealing and non-threatening" act that highlights a message without needing directly articulating them. It's the goofy costume used, or the meme circulated.

Mr Bogad is an analyst on this topic and a veteran practitioner. He authored a book on the subject, and led seminars internationally.

"One can look back to historical periods – under oppressive regimes, they use absurdity to speak the truth a little bit and while maintaining plausible deniability."

The purpose of this approach is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad explains.

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