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The protest movement may not be broadcast, though it may feature webbed feet and protruding eyes.

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

While demonstrations opposing the leadership persist in US cities, protesters have embraced the spirit of a neighborhood dress-up party. They've offered dance instruction, distributed snacks, and ridden unicycles, as armed law enforcement watch.

Blending comedy and politics – a tactic researchers refer to as "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. But it has become a signature characteristic of protests in the United States in recent years, embraced by various groups.

One particular emblem has proven to be particularly salient – the frog. It started after video footage of a confrontation between a protester in an amphibian costume and ICE agents in the city of Portland, spread online. It subsequently appeared to demonstrations throughout the United States.

"A great deal at play with that small frog costume," states an expert, who teaches at UC Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who specialises in political performance.

From a Cartoon Frog to Portland

It is difficult to examine protests and frogs without talking about Pepe, a web comic frog co-opted by far-right groups throughout a political race.

When this image gained popularity on the internet, its purpose was to signal specific feelings. Subsequently, it was utilized to express backing for a candidate, even one notable meme shared by the candidate himself, portraying Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

The frog was also portrayed in certain internet forums in more extreme scenarios, as a hate group member. Online conservatives traded "unique frog images" and set up digital currency in his name. Its famous line, "feels good, man", became an inside joke.

However the character did not originate so controversial.

Matt Furie, artist Matt Furie, has been vocal about his disapproval for its appropriation. The character was intended as simply an apolitical figure in this artist's universe.

Pepe debuted in comic strips in 2005 – apolitical and notable for a quirky behavior. In 'Feels Good Man', which chronicles the creator's attempt to reclaim ownership of his work, he explained the character was inspired by his experiences with friends and roommates.

Early in his career, Mr Furie tried uploading his work to early internet platforms, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As Pepe spread into the more extreme corners of the internet, the creator tried to disavow his creation, including ending its life in a comic strip.

Yet the frog persisted.

"It shows that we don't control icons," says Prof Bogad. "Their meaning can evolve and be reclaimed."

Previously, the association of this meme resulted in frogs were largely associated with the right. This shifted in early October, when a viral moment between an activist wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and a federal agent in Portland captured global attention.

The event followed a directive to send military personnel to Portland, which was described as "war-ravaged". Demonstrators began to assemble in large numbers on a single block, near an ICE office.

Tensions were high and a officer sprayed pepper spray at the individual, targeting the ventilation of the inflatable suit.

The individual, Seth Todd, quipped, remarking it tasted like "something milder". But the incident became a sensation.

Mr Todd's attire fit right in for Portland, renowned for its eccentric vibe and activist demonstrations that embrace the unusual – outdoor exercise, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and unique parades. The city's unofficial motto is "Keep Portland Weird."

This symbol became part of in a lawsuit between the federal government and Portland, which argued the use of troops was illegal.

Although a judge decided in October that the administration was within its rights to send personnel, one judge dissented, referencing in her ruling the protesters' "propensity for using unusual attire while voicing their disagreement."

"It is easy to see this decision, which adopts the government's characterization as a battlefield, as simply ridiculous," Judge Susan Graber opined. "But today's decision goes beyond absurdity."

The action was stopped legally subsequently, and personnel have reportedly departed the city.

But by then, the frog had become a significant protest icon for progressive movements.

The costume was seen across the country at anti-authoritarian protests that fall. There were frogs – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They appeared in small towns and big international cities abroad.

The inflatable suit was sold out on major websites, and rose in price.

Shaping the Narrative

What brings Pepe and the protest frog – is the interplay between the humorous, benign cartoon and serious intent. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

The strategy is based on what Mr Bogad terms a "disarming display" – usually humorous, it's a "disarming and charming" performance that highlights a message without obviously explaining them. It's the unusual prop you wear, or the meme you share.

The professor is both an expert on this topic 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 – when people are dominated, absurd humor is used to express dissent indirectly and while maintaining plausible deniability."

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

When protesters confront a powerful opposition, a silly costume {takes control of|seizes|influences