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This revolution isn't televised, but it could have webbed feet and bulging eyes.

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

Whilst protests against the government continue in US cities, participants have embraced the energy of a neighborhood dress-up party. They've offered dance instruction, distributed snacks, and ridden unicycles, as officers watch.

Mixing comedy and politics – a strategy social scientists refer to as "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. However, it has emerged as a signature characteristic of American protest in recent years, adopted by all sides of the political spectrum.

And one symbol has proven to be notably significant – the frog. It originated after video footage of a confrontation between a protester in a frog suit and federal officers in the city of Portland, spread online. From there, it proliferated to demonstrations throughout the United States.

"A great deal at play with that humble frog costume," says LM Bogad, who teaches at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who focuses on political performance.

From a Cartoon Frog to Portland

It's challenging to examine protests and frogs without talking about Pepe, an illustrated figure adopted by extremist movements during an election cycle.

As the meme initially spread on the internet, its purpose was to signal certain emotions. Subsequently, its use evolved to express backing for a political figure, including one notable meme endorsed by the candidate himself, portraying the frog with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Pepe was also depicted in right-wing online communities in darker contexts, as a hate group member. Participants exchanged "rare Pepes" and set up cryptocurrency in his name. His catchphrase, "that feels good", was used a shared phrase.

But the character did not originate this divisive.

Matt Furie, the illustrator, has expressed about his distaste for its appropriation. Pepe was supposed to be simply a relaxed amphibian in his comic world.

Pepe first appeared in an online comic in the mid-2000s – non-political and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In a documentary, which documents Mr Furie's efforts to take back of his creation, he said the character was inspired by his time with friends and roommates.

When he began, the artist experimented with uploading his work to the nascent social web, where the community began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As Pepe spread into fringe areas of online spaces, the creator tried to disavow the frog, including ending its life in a final panel.

Yet the frog persisted.

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

For a long time, the association of Pepe resulted in amphibian imagery became a symbol for conservative politics. A transformation occurred on a day in October, when a confrontation between an activist wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and a federal agent in Portland, Oregon captured global attention.

The event occurred shortly after a decision to deploy military personnel to Portland, which was called "a warzone". Activists began to gather in droves outside a facility, just outside of a federal building.

The situation was tense and an agent deployed pepper spray at a protester, aiming directly into the opening of the costume.

Seth Todd, Seth Todd, responded with a joke, remarking he had tasted "something milder". But the incident went viral.

The costume fit right in for the city, renowned for its eccentric vibe and left-wing protests that embrace the absurd – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and unique parades. Its creed is "Embrace the Strange."

This symbol became part of in the ensuing legal battle between the federal government and the city, which argued the use of troops overstepped authority.

While the court ruled in October that the administration was within its rights to send personnel, a dissenting judge wrote, referencing in her ruling the protesters' "propensity for using unusual attire while voicing dissent."

"Some might view the majority's ruling, which accepts the description of Portland as a battlefield, as simply ridiculous," Judge Susan Graber opined. "But today's decision goes beyond absurdity."

The deployment was stopped legally subsequently, and troops withdrew from the city.

Yet already, the frog had become a potent symbol of resistance for progressive movements.

This symbol was spotted across the country at anti-authoritarian protests recently. Amphibian costumes were present – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in major US cities. They appeared in rural communities and global metropolises like Tokyo and London.

This item was sold out on online retailers, and saw its cost increase.

Shaping the Narrative

What connects Pepe and the protest frog – lies in the dynamic between the silly, innocent image and underlying political significance. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

This approach is based on what the professor terms the "irresistible image" – often silly, it's a "appealing and non-threatening" act that draws focus to a message without directly articulating them. It's the silly outfit you wear, or the symbol you share.

The professor is both an expert on this topic and an experienced participant. He authored a book called 'Tactical Performance', and led seminars internationally.

"You could go back to historical periods – under oppressive regimes, absurd humor is used to express dissent a little bit and still have a layer of protection."

The theory of such tactics is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad explains.

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