How Right-Wing Icon to Anti-ICE Icon: The Unexpected Story of the Amphibian

The resistance isn't broadcast, yet it might possess webbed feet and large eyes.

Additionally, it could include a unicorn's horn or a chicken's feathers.

Whilst protests opposing the government carry on in US cities, demonstrators have embraced the energy of a local block party. They've provided salsa lessons, distributed snacks, and performed on unicycles, while armed law enforcement watch.

Mixing humour and politics – an approach social scientists call "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. But it has become a signature characteristic of US demonstrations in the current era, adopted by all sides of the political spectrum.

A specific icon has risen to become especially powerful – the frog. It originated after video footage of an encounter between a protester in a frog suit and ICE agents in Portland, Oregon, went viral. From there, it proliferated to protests throughout the United States.

"A great deal happening with that small inflatable frog," notes a professor, who teaches at University of California, Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who studies performance art.

From the Pepe Meme to the Streets of Portland

It's challenging to talk about demonstrations and amphibians without mentioning Pepe, an illustrated figure adopted by extremist movements during an election cycle.

When this image first took off on the internet, its purpose was to express certain emotions. Afterwards, it was utilized to show support for a political figure, including a particular image endorsed by that figure personally, depicting Pepe with recognizable attire and hairstyle.

Images also circulated in right-wing online communities in more extreme scenarios, as a hate group member. Participants exchanged "rare Pepes" and established digital currency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "that feels good", was used a shared phrase.

Yet its beginnings were not so controversial.

Matt Furie, the illustrator, has stated about his disapproval for how the image has been used. His creation was meant as simply an apolitical figure in this artist's universe.

Pepe debuted in an online comic in 2005 – non-political and famous for a particular bathroom habit. In a documentary, which documents Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his creation, he explained his drawing came from his experiences with companions.

As he started out, Mr Furie experimented with 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 online spaces, the creator tried to disavow his creation, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"This demonstrates that we don't control symbols," says the professor. "They transform and be reclaimed."

Until recently, the notoriety of Pepe meant that frogs became a symbol for the right. But that changed in early October, when a viral moment between a protestor dressed in an inflatable frog costume and a federal agent in Portland captured global attention.

The moment followed an order to send military personnel to the city, which was described as "a warzone". Activists began to gather in droves outside a facility, near an ICE office.

Emotions ran high and an agent sprayed pepper spray at the individual, aiming directly into the ventilation of the costume.

The protester, Seth Todd, reacted humorously, saying he had tasted "something milder". But the incident went viral.

The costume fit right in for Portland, known for its quirky culture and left-wing protests that delight in the unusual – public yoga, retro fitness classes, and nude cycling groups. Its creed is "Keep Portland Weird."

The costume became part of in the ensuing legal battle between the federal government and Portland, which claimed the deployment overstepped authority.

While the court ruled that month that the president was within its rights to deploy troops, a minority opinion disagreed, mentioning the protesters' "propensity for donning inflatable costumes while voicing their disagreement."

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

The action was "permanently" blocked soon after, and troops are said to have left the area.

Yet already, the amphibian costume had transformed into a powerful symbol of resistance for the left.

The costume was spotted in many cities at No Kings 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.

This item was sold out on online retailers, and rose in price.

Controlling the Optics

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

This approach is based on what Mr Bogad calls a "disarming display" – usually humorous, it's a "disarming and charming" display that highlights your ideas without needing obviously explaining them. It's the unusual prop you wear, or the meme you share.

Mr Bogad is an analyst in the subject and an experienced participant. He authored a text called 'Tactical Performance', and taught workshops around the world.

"You could go back to historical periods – when people are dominated, they use absurdity to express dissent indirectly and still have a layer of protection."

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

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