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The resistance won't be broadcast, though it may feature webbed feet and bulging eyes.

Furthermore, it may involve the horn of a unicorn or a chicken's feathers.

Whilst rallies opposing the leadership persist in US cities, participants are adopting the spirit of a local block party. They've provided salsa lessons, handed out snacks, and performed on unicycles, while armed law enforcement observe.

Blending levity and political action – a tactic experts refer to as "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. However, it has emerged as a hallmark of protests in the United States in the current era, used by all sides of the political spectrum.

And one symbol has risen to become especially powerful – the frog. It originated when recordings of a confrontation between a protester in an inflatable frog and federal officers in the city of Portland, went viral. From there, it proliferated to demonstrations nationwide.

"A great deal at play with that little frog costume," states LM Bogad, a professor at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who specialises in political performance.

From the Pepe Meme to Portland

It is difficult to examine protests and frogs without mentioning Pepe, a web comic frog co-opted by far-right groups throughout a previous presidential campaign.

When the meme initially spread on the internet, its purpose was to express specific feelings. Later, its use evolved to express backing for a candidate, including a particular image retweeted by the candidate himself, depicting the frog with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in right-wing online communities in more extreme scenarios, portrayed as a historical dictator. Online conservatives traded "rare Pepes" and set up cryptocurrency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "that feels good", became an inside joke.

But its beginnings were not so controversial.

Its creator, artist Matt Furie, has stated about his distaste for its appropriation. The character was intended as simply a relaxed amphibian in his series.

This character first appeared in a series of comics in 2005 – apolitical and notable for a particular bathroom habit. In 'Feels Good Man', which chronicles the creator's attempt to reclaim ownership of his creation, he said his drawing was inspired by his life with friends and roommates.

When he began, the artist tried uploading his work to the nascent social web, where people online began to borrow, remix and reinvent the frog. As its popularity grew into darker parts of online spaces, the creator sought to reject his creation, including ending its life in a final panel.

But Pepe lived on.

"It shows the lack of control over icons," states the professor. "They transform and be reclaimed."

Previously, the association of this meme resulted in frogs became a symbol for conservative politics. This shifted in early October, when an incident between an activist wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and an immigration officer in Portland, Oregon captured global attention.

This incident occurred shortly after a directive to deploy the National Guard to the city, which was described as "war-ravaged". Demonstrators began to assemble in large numbers on a single block, near an immigration enforcement facility.

Emotions ran high and an immigration officer sprayed a chemical agent at a protester, directing it into the air intake fan of the costume.

The protester, Seth Todd, reacted humorously, remarking he had tasted "spicier tamales". But the incident went viral.

The frog suit fit right in for the city, renowned for its unconventional spirit and activist demonstrations that revel in the absurd – public yoga, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and unique parades. The city's unofficial motto is "Keep Portland Weird."

The frog even played a role in the ensuing legal battle between the federal government and the city, which claimed the deployment was illegal.

Although a judge decided in October that the administration was within its rights to send personnel, a minority opinion disagreed, referencing in her ruling demonstrators' "propensity for donning inflatable costumes while voicing dissent."

"It is easy to see the court's opinion, which accepts the description of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd," the dissenting judge stated. "But today's decision has serious implications."

The deployment was "permanently" blocked soon after, and personnel have reportedly departed the area.

But by then, the frog was now a significant symbol of resistance for progressive movements.

This symbol appeared across the country at No Kings protests recently. Frogs appeared – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They were in rural communities and global metropolises like Tokyo and London.

The frog costume was in high demand on online retailers, and rose in price.

Mastering the Optics

What brings both frogs together – lies in the relationship between the humorous, benign cartoon and underlying political significance. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

The tactic is based on what Mr Bogad calls a "disarming display" – usually humorous, it's a "appealing and non-threatening" display that highlights your ideas without obviously explaining them. This is the silly outfit used, or the meme you share.

Mr Bogad is an analyst on this topic and someone who uses these tactics. He authored a text on the subject, and led seminars internationally.

"You could go back to the Middle Ages – when people are dominated, they use absurdity to express dissent indirectly and while maintaining a layer of protection."

The purpose of such tactics is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad says.

When activists confront the state, humorous attire {takes control of|seizes|influences