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This resistance may not be televised, but it could have webbed feet and large eyes.

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

Whilst rallies opposing the administration continue in US cities, protesters are utilizing the energy of a community costume parade. They've provided salsa lessons, handed out treats, and performed on unicycles, as police look on.

Mixing humour and political action – an approach social scientists term "tactical frivolity" – is not new. But it has become a defining feature of protests in the United States in recent years, embraced by various groups.

And one symbol has risen to become particularly salient – the frog. It originated after video footage of a clash between a protester in a frog suit and ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, became an internet sensation. It subsequently appeared to rallies nationwide.

"A great deal at play with that small blow-up amphibian," notes a professor, who teaches at UC Davis and an academic who focuses on performance art.

From Pepe to the Streets of Portland

It's challenging to examine demonstrations and amphibians without addressing Pepe, a web comic frog embraced by online communities during a political race.

When the meme initially spread online, people used it to convey certain emotions. Subsequently, it was utilized to express backing for a candidate, even one notable meme endorsed by that figure himself, depicting the frog with a signature suit and hair.

Pepe was also depicted in right-wing online communities in offensive ways, as a historical dictator. Participants exchanged "unique frog images" and established digital currency in his name. Its famous line, "feels good, man", was deployed an inside joke.

However the character did not originate so controversial.

Its creator, the illustrator, has been vocal about his disapproval for its appropriation. His creation was meant as simply an apolitical figure in this artist's universe.

The frog debuted in an online comic in 2005 – non-political and notable for a particular bathroom habit. A film, which chronicles Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his creation, he explained his drawing was inspired by his life with companions.

As he started out, the artist tried sharing his art to new websites, where people online began to copy, alter, and reinterpret the frog. As its popularity grew into darker parts of the internet, Mr Furie tried to disavow his creation, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"It shows the lack of control over icons," states Prof Bogad. "They can change and shift and be reworked."

For a long time, the notoriety of this meme meant that amphibian imagery became a symbol for the right. This shifted in early October, when a viral moment between a protestor wearing an inflatable frog costume and an immigration officer in Portland, Oregon spread rapidly online.

The event followed a decision to deploy the National Guard to Portland, which was described as "a warzone". Protesters began to gather in droves on a single block, near an immigration enforcement facility.

The situation was tense and an agent sprayed pepper spray at a protester, directing it into the ventilation of the puffy frog costume.

Seth Todd, Seth Todd, quipped, stating he had tasted "spicier tamales". However, the video became a sensation.

The frog suit fit right in for the city, famous for its unconventional spirit 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 subsequent court proceedings between the administration and Portland, which claimed the use of troops overstepped authority.

Although the court ruled that month that the president was within its rights to deploy troops, one judge dissented, noting in her opinion demonstrators' "propensity for using unusual attire while voicing dissent."

"Some might view this decision, which accepts the description of Portland as a war zone, as merely absurd," Judge Susan Graber stated. "However, this ruling goes beyond absurdity."

The deployment was halted by courts soon after, and troops have reportedly departed the area.

Yet already, the frog had transformed into a powerful anti-administration symbol for progressive movements.

This symbol was seen nationwide at anti-authoritarian protests last autumn. Amphibian costumes were present – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They appeared in rural communities and big international cities abroad.

The inflatable suit was backordered on online retailers, and saw its cost increase.

Mastering the Visual Story

What brings both frogs together – is the relationship between the silly, innocent image and a deeper political meaning. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

The tactic is based on what the professor terms a "disarming display" – frequently absurd, it acts as a "disarming and charming" display that draws focus to a cause without needing explicitly stating them. It's the goofy costume used, or the meme circulated.

The professor is both an expert on this topic and an experienced participant. He's written a book called 'Tactical Performance', and taught workshops internationally.

"One can look back to historical periods – when people are dominated, absurd humor is used to speak the truth a little bit and while maintaining a layer of protection."

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

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