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This resistance may not be televised, yet it might possess amphibious toes and large eyes.

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

Whilst demonstrations opposing the government continue in American cities, participants are adopting the energy of a community costume parade. They've offered salsa lessons, given away treats, and ridden unicycles, while armed law enforcement observe.

Combining levity and politics – an approach social scientists term "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. Yet it has transformed into a signature characteristic of American protest in the current era, embraced by all sides of the political spectrum.

One particular emblem has emerged as especially powerful – the frog. It started after recordings of a clash between a protester in an inflatable frog and ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, became an internet sensation. It subsequently appeared to demonstrations nationwide.

"A great deal going on with that humble frog costume," says an expert, a professor at UC Davis and an academic who specialises in performance art.

From a Cartoon Frog to the Streets of Portland

It's hard to examine demonstrations and amphibians without talking about Pepe, a web comic frog adopted by extremist movements during a political race.

Initially, when the character first took off on the internet, it was used to express specific feelings. Subsequently, it was utilized to express backing for a political figure, even one notable meme retweeted by the candidate personally, depicting Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in certain internet forums in offensive ways, as a historical dictator. Online conservatives exchanged "rare Pepes" and established digital currency in his name. Its famous line, "that feels good", was deployed a shared phrase.

Yet its beginnings were not as a political symbol.

Its creator, the illustrator, has expressed about his unhappiness for its co-option. His creation was meant as simply a "chill frog-dude" in this artist's universe.

The frog debuted in an online comic in 2005 – apolitical and famous for a quirky behavior. In 'Feels Good Man', which follows Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his work, he explained the character was inspired by his life with companions.

When he began, Mr Furie tried sharing his art to early internet platforms, where people online began to copy, alter, and reinterpret the frog. As Pepe spread into fringe areas of online spaces, the creator attempted to distance himself from his creation, even killing him off in a comic strip.

However, its legacy continued.

"It proves that we don't control symbols," says Prof Bogad. "They can change and shift and be reclaimed."

Previously, the popularity of this meme resulted in amphibian imagery became a symbol for conservative politics. This shifted recently, when a viral moment between a protestor wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and an immigration officer in Portland, Oregon captured global attention.

The event occurred shortly after a decision to send the National Guard to Portland, which was described as "war-ravaged". Activists began to congregate on a single block, near an ICE office.

Emotions ran high and an agent sprayed pepper spray at the individual, directing it into the air intake fan of the inflatable suit.

The protester, Seth Todd, reacted humorously, saying he had tasted "something milder". However, the video went viral.

Mr Todd's attire was not too unusual for the city, famous for its eccentric vibe and activist demonstrations that delight in the unusual – outdoor exercise, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and unique parades. A local saying is "Keep Portland Weird."

The costume was also referenced in subsequent court proceedings between the federal government and the city, which argued the deployment was illegal.

While the court ruled that month that the president was within its rights to send personnel, one judge dissented, mentioning demonstrators' "propensity for wearing chicken suits when expressing their disagreement."

"It is easy to see the court's opinion, which accepts the description of Portland as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," she stated. "However, this ruling goes beyond absurdity."

The action was stopped legally just a month later, and troops withdrew from the area.

Yet already, the frog had transformed into a significant anti-administration symbol for progressive movements.

This symbol appeared in many cities at anti-authoritarian protests that fall. Amphibian costumes were present – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in major US cities. They appeared in rural communities and big international cities abroad.

This item was in high demand on online retailers, and saw its cost increase.

Controlling the Optics

What brings the two amphibian symbols – is the interplay between the humorous, benign cartoon and underlying political significance. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

This approach is based on what Mr Bogad calls the "irresistible image" – frequently absurd, it's a "appealing and non-threatening" act that calls attention to a message without directly articulating them. This is the unusual prop you wear, or the symbol you share.

The professor is both an expert on this topic and someone who uses these tactics. He's written a book called 'Tactical Performance', and led seminars around the world.

"You could go back to the Middle Ages – under oppressive regimes, absurd humor is used to speak the truth indirectly and still have plausible deniability."

The theory of this approach is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad says.

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