From Far-Right Symbol to Resistance Symbol: The Surprising Transformation of the Frog

The revolution won't be televised, but it could have webbed feet and bulging eyes.

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

As protests opposing the government continue in American cities, participants are adopting the vibe of a neighborhood dress-up party. They've provided salsa lessons, distributed snacks, and ridden unicycles, while police look on.

Blending humour and political action – a tactic social scientists refer to as "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. However, it has emerged as a signature characteristic of American protest in the current era, adopted by all sides of the political spectrum.

And one symbol has emerged as notably significant – the frog. It originated after video footage of a clash between a man in a frog suit and federal officers in Portland, Oregon, became an internet sensation. From there, it proliferated to rallies nationwide.

"There is much going on with that humble frog costume," says LM Bogad, a professor at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who focuses on political performance.

The Path From a Cartoon Frog to the Streets of Portland

It's hard to examine protests and frogs without addressing Pepe, a cartoon character embraced by far-right groups throughout a political race.

As the character gained popularity on the internet, its purpose was to signal certain emotions. Afterwards, its use evolved to show support for a candidate, even a particular image retweeted by that figure personally, depicting the frog with a signature suit and hair.

Pepe was also depicted in right-wing online communities in darker contexts, portrayed as a hate group member. Online conservatives traded "rare Pepes" and established digital currency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "feels good, man", was deployed a coded signal.

Yet the character did not originate as a political symbol.

Matt Furie, the illustrator, has been vocal about his distaste for its co-option. The character was intended as simply a "chill frog-dude" in his comic world.

Pepe debuted in a series of comics in the mid-2000s – apolitical and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In a documentary, which documents the creator's attempt to wrest back control of his work, he said the character was inspired by his time with friends and roommates.

Early in his career, the artist experimented with sharing his art to the nascent social web, where the community began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As Pepe spread into the more extreme corners of online spaces, the creator attempted to distance himself from the frog, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"It proves that creators cannot own icons," explains Prof Bogad. "Their meaning can evolve and be reworked."

For a long time, the popularity of this meme resulted in frogs were predominantly linked to conservative politics. But that changed on a day in October, when a viral moment between a protestor dressed in an inflatable frog costume and an immigration officer in Portland went viral.

This incident followed a decision to deploy military personnel to the city, which was described as "war-ravaged". Protesters began to gather in droves at a specific location, near an ICE office.

The situation was tense and a officer deployed a chemical agent at a protester, directing it into the air intake fan of the puffy frog costume.

Seth Todd, Seth Todd, quipped, stating he had tasted "spicier tamales". However, the video spread everywhere.

Mr Todd's attire fit right in for Portland, known for its eccentric vibe and left-wing protests that delight in the unusual – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and nude cycling groups. Its creed is "Keep Portland Weird."

This symbol was also referenced in the ensuing legal battle between the federal government and the city, which claimed the deployment was unlawful.

Although a ruling was issued in October that the administration had the right to send personnel, a dissenting judge wrote, noting in her opinion demonstrators' "propensity for donning inflatable costumes while voicing their disagreement."

"Observers may be tempted the court's opinion, which adopts the description of Portland as a war zone, as simply ridiculous," Judge Susan Graber wrote. "However, this ruling goes beyond absurdity."

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

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

The costume appeared nationwide at No Kings protests last autumn. Frogs appeared – along with other creatures – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They were in small towns and big international cities abroad.

The inflatable suit was sold out on online retailers, and became more expensive.

Shaping the Narrative

The link between the two amphibian symbols – is the interplay between the silly, innocent image and underlying political significance. Experts call this "tactical frivolity."

This approach is based on what the professor terms the "irresistible image" – usually humorous, it's a "appealing and non-threatening" performance that draws focus to a cause without needing obviously explaining them. This is the goofy costume you wear, or the symbol circulated.

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

"One can look back to the Middle Ages – when people are dominated, they use absurdity to express dissent a little bit and still have a layer of protection."

The theory of this approach is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad says.

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