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The resistance isn't broadcast, but it could have amphibious toes and large eyes.

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

As protests against the administration persist in American cities, demonstrators are adopting the vibe of a local block party. They have taught salsa lessons, given away treats, and performed on unicycles, while police look on.

Mixing humour and political action – a tactic experts term "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. Yet it has transformed into a signature characteristic of American protest in this period, embraced by both left and right.

One particular emblem has emerged as notably significant – the frog. It originated when a video of a clash between an individual in an inflatable frog and ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, spread online. From there, it proliferated to rallies throughout the United States.

"There is much at play with that humble frog costume," notes an expert, who teaches at UC Davis and an academic who focuses on performance art.

From the Pepe Meme to the Streets of Portland

It is difficult to examine demonstrations and amphibians without mentioning Pepe, a cartoon character co-opted by far-right groups during a political race.

When this image initially spread on the internet, its purpose was to convey certain emotions. Afterwards, it was utilized to show support for a political figure, even one notable meme retweeted by the candidate himself, portraying Pepe with a signature suit and hair.

The frog was also portrayed in certain internet forums in more extreme scenarios, portrayed as a hate group member. Users traded "rare Pepes" and set up digital currency in his name. Its famous line, "feels good, man", was deployed a shared phrase.

Yet the character did not originate this divisive.

Matt Furie, the illustrator, has been vocal about his distaste for its appropriation. His creation was meant as simply a relaxed amphibian in his comic world.

This character debuted in a series of comics in 2005 – non-political and notable for a quirky behavior. In a documentary, which documents Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his creation, he explained his drawing came from his time with friends and roommates.

When he began, the artist tried uploading his work to the nascent social web, where the community began to borrow, remix and reinvent the frog. As Pepe spread into darker parts of online spaces, the creator attempted to distance himself from the frog, including ending its life in a comic strip.

Yet the frog persisted.

"This demonstrates that creators cannot own icons," says Prof Bogad. "They transform and be repurposed."

For a long time, the notoriety of Pepe resulted in frogs were predominantly linked to the right. This shifted in early October, when a confrontation between a protestor dressed in a blow-up amphibian suit and an immigration officer in Portland captured global attention.

This incident followed a decision to deploy military personnel to Portland, which was described as "war-ravaged". Activists began to gather in droves outside a facility, near a federal building.

Tensions were high and an agent used irritant at a protester, aiming directly into the ventilation of the costume.

Seth Todd, the man in the costume, quipped, remarking he had tasted "something milder". However, the video spread everywhere.

Mr Todd's attire was somewhat typical for Portland, renowned for its quirky culture and left-wing protests that embrace the unusual – outdoor exercise, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. A local saying is "Embrace the Strange."

This symbol even played a role in the ensuing legal battle between the federal government and the city, which claimed the use of troops overstepped authority.

Although a ruling was issued that month that the administration was within its rights to deploy troops, one judge dissented, mentioning the protesters' "well-known penchant for donning inflatable costumes when expressing opposition."

"It is easy to see this decision, which accepts the description of Portland as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," Judge Susan Graber stated. "However, this ruling is not merely absurd."

The deployment was "permanently" blocked subsequently, and troops have reportedly departed the area.

Yet already, the frog was now a potent protest icon for progressive movements.

This symbol appeared in many cities at anti-authoritarian protests last autumn. There were frogs – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They were in small towns and global metropolises abroad.

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

Mastering the Narrative

What connects Pepe and the protest frog – is the dynamic between the humorous, benign cartoon and underlying political significance. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

This approach relies on what Mr Bogad terms the "irresistible image" – usually humorous, it's a "disarming and charming" display that draws focus to a cause without directly articulating them. It's the silly outfit used, or the symbol circulated.

The professor is both an expert in the subject and a veteran practitioner. He authored a text called 'Tactical Performance', and led seminars around the world.

"One can look back to the Middle Ages – under oppressive regimes, absurd humor is used to express dissent a little bit and while maintaining a layer of protection."

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

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