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This revolution may not be broadcast, but it could have webbed feet and large eyes.

It also might feature the horn of a unicorn or a chicken's feathers.

As demonstrations opposing the leadership persist in US cities, protesters are utilizing the spirit of a local block party. They have taught salsa lessons, distributed treats, and ridden unicycles, while armed law enforcement look on.

Combining humour and political action – a strategy researchers call "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. But it has become a hallmark of protests in the United States in the current era, embraced by various groups.

And one symbol has risen to become particularly salient – the frog. It began after a video of an encounter between a protester in a frog suit and ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, became an internet sensation. It subsequently appeared to demonstrations across the country.

"There is much at play with that small blow-up amphibian," notes a professor, who teaches at University of California, Davis and an academic who specialises in creative activism.

The Path From Pepe to Portland

It's challenging to examine demonstrations and amphibians without addressing Pepe, an illustrated figure adopted by online communities during a previous presidential campaign.

As the meme initially spread online, people used it to convey specific feelings. Subsequently, its use evolved to express backing for a candidate, including a particular image retweeted by that figure personally, depicting Pepe with a signature suit and hair.

Images also circulated in right-wing online communities in offensive ways, as a hate group member. Participants exchanged "rare Pepes" and set up cryptocurrency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "that feels good", became a coded signal.

However Pepe didn't start out so controversial.

The artist behind it, artist Matt Furie, has stated about his unhappiness for its co-option. The character was intended as simply a "chill frog-dude" in this artist's universe.

The frog first appeared in an online comic in 2005 – non-political and best known for a quirky behavior. In a documentary, which follows Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his work, he explained the character was inspired by his time with companions.

Early in his career, Mr Furie experimented with uploading his work to the nascent social web, where the community began to copy, alter, and reinterpret the frog. As its popularity grew into the more extreme corners of the internet, Mr Furie attempted to distance himself from the frog, including ending its life in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"This demonstrates that creators cannot own icons," explains the professor. "Their meaning can evolve and be reworked."

For a long time, the association of Pepe meant that amphibian imagery were largely associated with the right. But that changed recently, when an incident between an activist dressed in an inflatable frog costume and a federal agent in Portland went viral.

The event followed a decision to send the National Guard to Portland, which was called "a warzone". Protesters began to congregate on a single block, just outside of a federal building.

Emotions ran high and a officer sprayed irritant at the individual, directing it into the ventilation of the puffy frog costume.

The individual, Seth Todd, reacted humorously, remarking he had tasted "spicier tamales". But the incident became a sensation.

The frog suit fit right in for the city, renowned for its eccentric vibe and left-wing protests that revel in the ridiculous – public yoga, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and nude cycling groups. The city's unofficial motto is "Keep Portland Weird."

The frog was also referenced in the ensuing legal battle between the administration and the city, which contended the deployment overstepped authority.

While a judge decided that month that the administration had the right to send personnel, one judge dissented, noting in her opinion demonstrators' "well-known penchant for using unusual attire while voicing dissent."

"Some might view the majority's ruling, which accepts the government's characterization as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," the dissenting judge stated. "However, this ruling goes beyond absurdity."

The deployment was stopped legally subsequently, and troops are said to have left the city.

However, by that time, the amphibian costume had transformed into a powerful anti-administration symbol for progressive movements.

The costume 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 big international cities abroad.

The frog costume was sold out on online retailers, and rose in price.

Shaping the Optics

What connects both frogs together – lies in the interplay between the silly, innocent image and a deeper political meaning. This is what "tactical frivolity."

The tactic is based on what Mr Bogad terms a "disarming display" – often silly, it's a "disarming and charming" act that draws focus to your ideas without directly articulating them. It's the unusual prop used, or the meme you share.

Mr Bogad is an analyst in the subject and a veteran practitioner. He's written a book called 'Tactical Performance', and taught workshops around the world.

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

The purpose of such tactics is three-fold, Mr Bogad says.

As activists confront authority, humorous attire {takes control of|seizes|influences