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This revolution isn't broadcast, but it could have webbed feet and protruding eyes.

It also might feature the horn of a unicorn or the plumage of a chicken.

While demonstrations opposing the administration continue in American cities, protesters are utilizing the spirit of a community costume parade. They have taught dance instruction, distributed snacks, and ridden unicycles, as armed law enforcement observe.

Mixing levity and political action – a strategy researchers call "tactical frivolity" – has historical precedent. However, it has emerged as a defining feature of US demonstrations in recent years, adopted by various groups.

And one symbol has proven to be especially powerful – the frog. It began after a video of a confrontation between an individual in an inflatable frog and federal officers in the city of Portland, became an internet sensation. It subsequently appeared to protests across the country.

"A great deal at play with that small inflatable frog," states LM Bogad, a professor at University of California, Davis and an academic who focuses on creative activism.

From Pepe to the Streets of Portland

It's hard to discuss demonstrations and amphibians without mentioning Pepe, an illustrated figure co-opted by far-right groups throughout a political race.

As this image initially spread on the internet, people used it to express specific feelings. Subsequently, it was utilized to express backing for a political figure, including one notable meme retweeted by that figure himself, showing Pepe with a signature suit and hair.

The frog was also portrayed in certain internet forums in darker contexts, portrayed as a historical dictator. Participants traded "rare Pepes" and established digital currency in his name. His catchphrase, "feels good, man", was deployed an inside joke.

Yet the character did not originate so controversial.

Matt Furie, artist Matt Furie, has expressed about his unhappiness for how the image has been used. Pepe was supposed to be simply a relaxed amphibian in his series.

This character first appeared in comic strips in 2005 – apolitical and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In 'Feels Good Man', which documents Mr Furie's efforts to wrest back control of his work, he stated his drawing was inspired by his time with companions.

Early in his career, the artist tried sharing his art to new websites, where the community began to borrow, remix and reinvent the frog. As its popularity grew into the more extreme corners of the internet, Mr Furie sought to reject the frog, including ending its life in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"This demonstrates that we don't control icons," says the professor. "Their meaning can evolve and be reclaimed."

For a long time, the association of Pepe resulted in frogs were predominantly linked to conservative politics. But that changed on a day in October, when an incident between an activist wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and an immigration officer in Portland, Oregon spread rapidly online.

This incident followed a directive to send military personnel to Portland, which was called "war-ravaged". Demonstrators began to gather in droves outside a facility, near an immigration enforcement facility.

Tensions were high and an agent sprayed a chemical agent at the individual, directing it into the opening of the inflatable suit.

The individual, Seth Todd, reacted humorously, stating it tasted like "spicier tamales". However, the video spread everywhere.

The costume was not too unusual for Portland, renowned for its quirky culture and activist demonstrations that delight in the ridiculous – public yoga, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and unique parades. Its creed is "Embrace the Strange."

This symbol even played a role in a lawsuit between the federal government and the city, which argued the deployment was illegal.

Although the court ruled in October that the president was within its rights to deploy troops, one judge dissented, noting in her opinion the protesters' "propensity for wearing chicken suits when expressing opposition."

"Observers may be tempted this decision, which accepts the description of Portland as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," the dissenting judge opined. "Yet the outcome has serious implications."

The order was "permanently" blocked just a month later, and troops are said to have left the city.

Yet already, the amphibian costume had become a potent anti-administration symbol for progressive movements.

The costume was seen across the country at anti-authoritarian protests recently. Amphibian costumes were present – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They appeared in small towns and big international cities abroad.

This item was in high demand on online retailers, and became more expensive.

Controlling the Narrative

The link between both frogs together – lies in the interplay between the humorous, benign cartoon and a deeper political meaning. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

The tactic relies on what the professor calls the "irresistible image" – often silly, it's a "appealing and non-threatening" performance that calls attention to a cause without needing directly articulating them. It's the unusual prop used, or the meme you share.

Mr Bogad is both an expert on this topic and a veteran practitioner. He's written a book on the subject, and led seminars internationally.

"One can look back to historical periods – under oppressive regimes, absurd humor is used to speak the truth indirectly and while maintaining a layer of protection."

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

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