From Conservative Meme to Resistance Symbol: This Surprising Evolution of the Frog

This protest movement isn't televised, yet it might possess webbed feet and protruding eyes.

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

Whilst rallies opposing the administration carry on in US cities, protesters have embraced the energy of a local block party. They've offered salsa lessons, distributed treats, and performed on unicycles, as armed law enforcement look on.

Blending levity and political action – a strategy experts call "tactical frivolity" – is not new. Yet it has transformed into a signature characteristic of American protest in recent years, adopted by all sides of the political spectrum.

A specific icon has risen to become notably significant – the frog. It originated when video footage of a clash between a man in an inflatable frog and ICE agents in the city of Portland, became an internet sensation. And it has since spread to demonstrations throughout the United States.

"There's a lot happening with that little blow-up amphibian," notes LM Bogad, who teaches at UC Davis and a Guggenheim Fellow who specialises in political performance.

From a Cartoon Frog to Portland

It's hard to discuss demonstrations and amphibians without mentioning Pepe, a web comic frog adopted by extremist movements during an election cycle.

As this image gained popularity on the internet, it was used to express specific feelings. Later, it was deployed to express backing for a candidate, including a particular image endorsed by the candidate himself, depicting Pepe with a signature suit and hair.

The frog was also portrayed in certain internet forums in more extreme scenarios, as a historical dictator. Users exchanged "unique frog images" and established digital currency using its likeness. His catchphrase, "that feels good", became a coded signal.

But its beginnings were not as a political symbol.

Matt Furie, artist Matt Furie, has been vocal about his distaste for how the image has been used. His creation was meant as simply an apolitical figure in his comic world.

The frog first appeared in an online comic in 2005 – non-political and best known for a particular bathroom habit. In 'Feels Good Man', which chronicles the creator's attempt to reclaim ownership of his work, he stated the character was inspired by his life with companions.

When he began, the artist tried uploading his work to new websites, where the community began to borrow, remix and reinvent his character. When the meme proliferated into darker parts of the internet, the creator sought to reject his creation, even killing him off in a final panel.

However, its legacy continued.

"It shows the lack of control over imagery," states Prof Bogad. "They transform and be reclaimed."

Previously, the popularity of this meme resulted in frogs were largely associated with the right. A transformation occurred recently, when an incident between an activist wearing a blow-up amphibian suit and an immigration officer in Portland went viral.

The moment followed a directive to send military personnel to Portland, which was described as "a warzone". Activists began to gather in droves on a single block, just outside of a federal building.

Emotions ran high and a officer sprayed pepper spray at a protester, aiming directly into the opening of the inflatable suit.

Seth Todd, Seth Todd, reacted humorously, saying he had tasted "spicier tamales". However, the video became a sensation.

Mr Todd's attire fit right in for the city, renowned for its eccentric vibe and left-wing protests that embrace the unusual – public yoga, 80s-style aerobics lessons, and unique parades. A local saying is "Embrace the Strange."

The frog became part of in subsequent court proceedings between the administration and the city, which contended the deployment was illegal.

Although the court ruled in October that the president was within its rights to send personnel, one judge dissented, mentioning demonstrators' "well-known penchant for donning inflatable costumes when expressing their disagreement."

"It is easy to see the majority's ruling, which accepts the government's characterization as a war zone, as merely absurd," she stated. "However, this ruling has serious implications."

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

But by then, the amphibian costume had transformed into a potent protest icon for the left.

This symbol was spotted across the country at anti-authoritarian protests that fall. Amphibian costumes were present – and unicorns and axolotls and dinosaurs – in San Diego and Atlanta and Boston. They appeared in rural communities and big international cities like Tokyo and London.

The inflatable suit was in high demand on major websites, and rose in price.

Controlling the Visual Story

The link between both frogs together – lies in the relationship between the humorous, benign cartoon and a deeper political meaning. This concept is "tactical frivolity."

The tactic is based on what Mr Bogad terms a "disarming display" – often silly, it acts as a "disarming and charming" display that calls attention to your ideas without explicitly stating them. It's the goofy costume you wear, or the symbol circulated.

The professor is an analyst on this topic and a veteran practitioner. He's written a book on the subject, and taught workshops internationally.

"You could go back to historical periods – when people are dominated, they use absurdity to speak the truth indirectly and while maintaining a layer of protection."

The theory of this approach is three-fold, he says.

When protesters take on a powerful opposition, a silly costume {takes control of|seizes|influences