The Journey of Far-Right Symbol to Protest Emblem: The Remarkable Story of the Frog

The revolution won't be televised, yet it might possess amphibious toes and bulging eyes.

Furthermore, it may involve the horn of a unicorn or the plumage of a chicken.

As protests opposing the administration persist in US cities, participants are utilizing the vibe of a local block party. They have taught dance instruction, distributed treats, and performed on unicycles, as police look on.

Blending levity and politics – a strategy researchers call "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. But it has become a signature characteristic of US demonstrations in recent years, embraced by various groups.

And one symbol has emerged as notably significant – the frog. It originated after recordings of a confrontation between an individual in an amphibian costume and federal officers in Portland, Oregon, became an internet sensation. It subsequently appeared to demonstrations across the country.

"There's a lot at play with that small frog costume," notes a professor, who teaches at University of California, Davis and an academic who focuses on creative activism.

The Path From Pepe to Portland

It's hard to discuss protests and frogs without mentioning Pepe, a web comic frog co-opted by extremist movements during a previous presidential campaign.

Initially, when the character first took off on the internet, its purpose was to express certain emotions. Afterwards, it was utilized to endorse a candidate, including one notable meme shared by that figure himself, showing the frog with a signature suit and hair.

Pepe was also depicted in digital spaces in more extreme scenarios, as a historical dictator. Participants exchanged "rare Pepes" and established digital currency using its likeness. Its famous line, "that feels good", was deployed a coded signal.

But Pepe didn't start out as a political symbol.

The artist behind it, artist Matt Furie, has stated about his unhappiness for its co-option. His creation was meant as simply a "chill frog-dude" in his series.

Pepe debuted in comic strips in 2005 – apolitical and best known for a quirky behavior. In 'Feels Good Man', which documents Mr Furie's efforts to reclaim ownership of his creation, he explained the character was inspired by his life with friends and roommates.

When he began, Mr Furie tried sharing his art to the nascent social web, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As Pepe spread into the more extreme corners of online spaces, Mr Furie attempted to distance himself from the frog, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"It proves the lack of control over symbols," says the professor. "Their meaning can evolve and be reclaimed."

For a long time, the popularity of Pepe resulted in frogs were predominantly linked to conservative politics. But that changed recently, when a confrontation between a protestor wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and a federal agent in Portland spread rapidly online.

The moment followed a directive to deploy the National Guard to Portland, which was described as "war-ravaged". Activists began to congregate outside a facility, just outside of an ICE office.

Tensions were high and a officer deployed a chemical agent at the individual, targeting the ventilation of the puffy frog costume.

The protester, Seth Todd, reacted humorously, stating it tasted like "spicier tamales". However, the video became a sensation.

Mr Todd's attire was somewhat typical for the city, known for its eccentric vibe and left-wing protests that delight in the unusual – public yoga, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and nude cycling groups. A local saying is "Keep Portland Weird."

The costume was also referenced in subsequent court proceedings between the administration and the city, which claimed the use of troops was illegal.

While a ruling was issued that month that the president was within its rights to send personnel, one judge dissented, referencing in her ruling demonstrators' "known tendency for using unusual attire while voicing their disagreement."

"Observers may be tempted this decision, which adopts the description of Portland as a battlefield, as merely absurd," she wrote. "But today's decision has serious implications."

The order was stopped legally just a month later, and troops are said to have left the city.

However, by that time, the amphibian costume was now a significant symbol of resistance for progressive movements.

This symbol was spotted nationwide at No Kings protests that fall. There were frogs – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They were in rural communities and big international cities like Tokyo and London.

The inflatable suit was in high demand on online retailers, and saw its cost increase.

Controlling the Narrative

The link between Pepe and the protest frog – is the relationship between the silly, innocent image and underlying political significance. This is what "tactical frivolity."

The strategy is based on what the professor terms a "disarming display" – frequently absurd, it's a "appealing and non-threatening" performance that highlights a cause without explicitly stating them. This is the unusual prop you wear, or the meme circulated.

Mr Bogad is an analyst in the subject 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 express dissent a little bit and still have a layer of protection."

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

When protesters take on authority, humorous attire {takes control of|seizes|influences