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

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

While demonstrations opposing the leadership persist in US cities, demonstrators are adopting the vibe of a community costume parade. They have taught dance instruction, given away snacks, and ridden unicycles, as police look on.

Blending levity and political action – a strategy social scientists term "tactical frivolity" – isn't novel. Yet it has transformed into a signature characteristic of American protest in recent years, adopted by various groups.

And one symbol has emerged as particularly salient – the frog. It started when video footage of an encounter between a protester in an inflatable frog and federal officers in the city of Portland, went viral. And it has since spread to rallies nationwide.

"A great deal happening with that small blow-up amphibian," notes an expert, a professor at UC Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who studies political performance.

From Pepe to the Streets of Portland

It's hard to discuss protests and frogs without mentioning Pepe, an illustrated figure adopted by far-right groups throughout an election cycle.

Initially, when this image initially spread on the internet, people used it to express certain emotions. Afterwards, it was utilized to endorse a political figure, including a particular image retweeted by that figure himself, depicting Pepe with a signature suit and hair.

Images also circulated in digital spaces in offensive ways, portrayed as a hate group member. Users traded "rare Pepes" and set up digital currency in his name. His catchphrase, "feels good, man", became an inside joke.

However Pepe didn't start out this divisive.

Its creator, artist Matt Furie, has stated about his distaste for its appropriation. Pepe was supposed to be simply an apolitical figure in his comic world.

The frog first appeared in an online comic in the mid-2000s – apolitical and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In a documentary, which follows Mr Furie's efforts to take back of his work, he said the character came from his life with companions.

As he started out, Mr Furie tried sharing his art to new websites, where other users began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. As Pepe spread into fringe areas of the internet, Mr Furie tried to disavow his creation, including ending its life in a comic strip.

But Pepe lived on.

"It proves that creators cannot own imagery," explains the professor. "They transform and be reclaimed."

Until recently, the notoriety of Pepe meant that frogs became a symbol for conservative politics. A transformation occurred recently, when an incident between an activist dressed in an inflatable frog costume and an immigration officer in Portland spread rapidly online.

The moment occurred shortly after an order to deploy the National Guard to Portland, which was called "war-ravaged". Demonstrators began to assemble in large numbers at a specific location, just outside of a federal building.

The situation was tense and a officer sprayed a chemical agent at the individual, directing it into the ventilation of the costume.

Seth Todd, Seth Todd, responded with a joke, 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 quirky culture and activist demonstrations that delight in the unusual – outdoor exercise, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and unique parades. Its creed is "Embrace the Strange."

The costume was also referenced in subsequent court proceedings between the federal government and Portland, which contended the use of troops was unlawful.

While a ruling was issued in October that the president was within its rights to send personnel, a dissenting judge wrote, referencing in her ruling demonstrators' "known tendency for using unusual attire when expressing dissent."

"Some might view the majority's ruling, which adopts the government's characterization as a war zone, as merely absurd," the dissenting judge stated. "But today's decision is not merely absurd."

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

But by then, the amphibian costume was now a potent protest icon for progressive movements.

This symbol appeared nationwide at No Kings protests recently. There were frogs – along with other creatures – in major US cities. They were in rural communities and global metropolises like Tokyo and London.

The frog costume was sold out on major websites, and rose in price.

Mastering the Optics

What connects Pepe and the protest frog – lies in the dynamic between the silly, innocent image and serious intent. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

The tactic relies on what Mr Bogad terms the "irresistible image" – usually humorous, it's a "disarming and charming" act that draws focus to a cause without needing obviously explaining them. It's the unusual prop used, or the symbol circulated.

The professor is both an expert in the subject and someone who uses these tactics. He's written a text called 'Tactical Performance', and led seminars internationally.

"One can look back to the Middle Ages – under oppressive regimes, absurd humor is used to speak the truth indirectly and still have a layer of protection."

The theory of such tactics is multi-faceted, Mr Bogad explains.

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