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

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

While protests against the government continue in US cities, protesters are utilizing the vibe of a local block party. They have taught salsa lessons, handed out treats, and performed on unicycles, while officers observe.

Mixing comedy and political action – a strategy social scientists refer to as "tactical frivolity" – is not new. But it has become a hallmark of protests in the United States in the current era, embraced by both left and right.

One particular emblem has proven to be particularly salient – the frog. It began after video footage of an encounter between an individual in an amphibian costume and ICE agents in the city of Portland, went viral. It subsequently appeared to demonstrations across the country.

"There's a lot happening with that small inflatable frog," says a professor, who teaches at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who studies political performance.

From Pepe to Portland

It is difficult to examine demonstrations and amphibians without mentioning Pepe, a cartoon character embraced by online communities during a previous presidential campaign.

As the meme initially spread on the internet, its purpose was to express certain emotions. Later, its use evolved to show support for a candidate, even one notable meme retweeted by that figure personally, portraying Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

The frog was also portrayed in certain internet forums in offensive ways, as a historical dictator. Participants exchanged "rare Pepes" and established digital currency in his name. Its famous line, "that feels good", was used a shared phrase.

However its beginnings were not so controversial.

Its creator, artist Matt Furie, has expressed about his disapproval for its appropriation. His creation was meant as simply a relaxed amphibian in his series.

Pepe first appeared in an online comic in 2005 – apolitical and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In a documentary, which documents the creator's attempt to take back of his work, he explained the character came from his life with companions.

As he started out, the artist tried uploading his work to early internet platforms, where the community began to borrow, remix and reinvent the frog. As Pepe spread into fringe areas of the internet, Mr Furie sought to reject the frog, even killing him off in a comic strip.

However, its legacy continued.

"It shows the lack of control over symbols," says Prof Bogad. "Their meaning can evolve and be repurposed."

Until recently, the association of Pepe meant that amphibian imagery were largely associated with the right. But that changed recently, when a confrontation between a protestor wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and a federal agent in Portland, Oregon spread rapidly online.

The moment occurred shortly after a directive to deploy military personnel to Portland, which was described as "a warzone". Activists began to congregate outside a facility, just outside of an immigration enforcement facility.

Tensions were high and an agent deployed irritant at a protester, directing it into the opening of the inflatable suit.

The protester, the man in the costume, responded with a joke, remarking he had tasted "something milder". But the incident became a sensation.

The frog suit fit right in for Portland, famous for its unconventional spirit and activist demonstrations that revel in the ridiculous – outdoor exercise, retro fitness classes, and nude cycling groups. A local saying is "Keep Portland Weird."

This symbol became part of in the ensuing legal battle between the administration and the city, which argued the use of troops was illegal.

Although the court ruled that month that the administration had the right to send personnel, a minority opinion disagreed, noting in her opinion the protesters' "well-known penchant for using unusual attire while voicing their disagreement."

"It is easy to see the majority's ruling, which adopts the description of Portland as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," she stated. "Yet the outcome has serious implications."

The deployment was "permanently" blocked subsequently, and troops are said to have left the area.

But by then, the frog had transformed into a significant symbol of resistance for progressive movements.

This symbol was seen in many cities at anti-authoritarian protests last autumn. There were frogs – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in major US cities. They appeared in small towns and global metropolises abroad.

This item was backordered on major websites, and saw its cost increase.

Mastering the Narrative

The link between Pepe and the protest frog – lies in the relationship between the humorous, benign cartoon and serious intent. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

The strategy rests on what Mr Bogad calls the "irresistible image" – frequently absurd, it's a "disarming and charming" performance that highlights a message without needing obviously explaining them. This is the goofy costume used, or the symbol circulated.

The professor is an analyst in the subject and someone who uses these tactics. He's written a text on the subject, and taught workshops internationally.

"You could go back to historical periods – under oppressive regimes, they use absurdity to express dissent indirectly and still have a layer of protection."

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

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