From Far-Right Symbol to Resistance Emblem: This Remarkable Evolution of the Amphibian

This protest movement won't be broadcast, but it could have webbed feet and large eyes.

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

Whilst rallies opposing the government persist in American cities, participants are adopting the spirit of a neighborhood dress-up party. They have taught dance instruction, distributed snacks, and performed on unicycles, while police watch.

Combining humour and political action – an approach researchers call "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. However, it has emerged as a defining feature of protests in the United States in the current era, used by various groups.

A specific icon has proven to be notably significant – the frog. It originated when recordings of a clash between a man in an inflatable frog and federal officers in Portland, Oregon, spread online. From there, it proliferated to protests across the country.

"There's a lot happening with that small blow-up amphibian," notes a professor, who teaches at UC Davis and an academic who studies political performance.

The Path From the Pepe Meme to the Streets of Portland

It is difficult to examine demonstrations and amphibians without talking about Pepe, an illustrated figure adopted by extremist movements during an election cycle.

As the character gained popularity online, its purpose was to express specific feelings. Afterwards, it was deployed to express backing for a political figure, even one notable meme shared by that figure himself, depicting Pepe with a signature suit and hair.

Pepe was also depicted in digital spaces in offensive ways, as a hate group member. Participants traded "unique frog images" and set up cryptocurrency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "that feels good", became a shared phrase.

Yet its beginnings were not so controversial.

Matt Furie, the illustrator, has been vocal about his disapproval for its appropriation. Pepe was supposed to be simply a "chill frog-dude" in his comic world.

The frog first appeared in a series of comics in the mid-2000s – non-political and famous for a particular bathroom habit. In a documentary, which chronicles Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his creation, he explained the character was inspired by his time with companions.

When he began, the artist experimented with uploading his work to the nascent social web, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As Pepe spread into fringe areas of the internet, Mr Furie sought to reject his creation, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"This demonstrates that creators cannot own icons," states Prof Bogad. "Their meaning can evolve and be reclaimed."

Until recently, the notoriety of Pepe meant that frogs were largely associated with the right. But that changed recently, when a viral moment between a protestor wearing an inflatable frog costume and an immigration officer in Portland spread rapidly online.

The event followed a directive to deploy military personnel to Portland, which was described as "a warzone". Demonstrators began to assemble in large numbers outside a facility, just outside of a federal building.

The situation was tense and an immigration officer deployed irritant at a protester, aiming directly into the air intake fan of the puffy frog costume.

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

The costume was not too unusual for Portland, famous for its eccentric vibe and left-wing protests that revel in the unusual – public yoga, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and unique parades. The city's unofficial motto is "Embrace the Strange."

The frog was also referenced in the ensuing legal battle between the administration and Portland, which contended the use of troops overstepped authority.

Although a ruling was issued in October that the president was within its rights to deploy troops, a dissenting judge wrote, noting in her opinion the protesters' "known tendency for donning inflatable costumes while voicing opposition."

"Observers may be tempted the court's opinion, which adopts the description of Portland as a battlefield, as merely absurd," the dissenting judge stated. "Yet the outcome goes beyond absurdity."

The deployment was "permanently" blocked just a month later, and troops have reportedly departed the city.

But by then, the amphibian costume had become a significant symbol of resistance for the left.

This symbol was seen in many cities at anti-authoritarian protests last autumn. Frogs appeared – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They were in small towns and big international cities abroad.

The frog costume was backordered on major websites, and became more expensive.

Controlling the Visual Story

What connects Pepe and the protest frog – is the interplay between the silly, innocent image and underlying political significance. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

The tactic is based on what the professor calls the "irresistible image" – often silly, it acts as a "disarming and charming" act that draws focus to a cause without needing obviously explaining them. It's the goofy costume you wear, or the meme circulated.

Mr Bogad is both an expert in the subject and someone who uses these tactics. He authored a book on the subject, and led seminars around the world.

"You could go back to the Middle Ages – under oppressive regimes, they use absurdity to express dissent indirectly and while maintaining plausible deniability."

The idea of such tactics is three-fold, he explains.

When activists confront the state, a silly costume {takes control of|seizes|influences