Activists across the United States have adopted an unconventional approach to protesting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration. More recently, they have put on inflatable animal suits—most often the frog—to deliver their message of quirky amphibious protest that mixes whimsy with righteous civil disobedience. This cheeky new tactic is catching on, particularly here in Portland. The inflatable frog costume has since evolved into a national and powerful symbol of defiance against policies that separate and criminalize immigrant communities.
The protest movement has now adopted the inflatable frog suit as an iconic symbol. You can see it all over Portland—worn by activists and printed on shirts, protest signs, and street murals. This vibrant symbol serves as a visual manifestation of the activists’ frustration with the current administration’s immigration policies and their impact on families and communities. These activists tackle the narrative that portrays them as “violent extremists” with sharp, surprising humor. Instead, they provide a charming yet cutting indictment of state power.
The Strategy Behind the Costumes
This silly and fun approach to using inflatable costumes is just one example of a larger tactic called “strategic frivolity.” This tactic uses marriage to silliness, cringe-worthy absurdity and nostalgia, which provides a great juxtaposition of protesters versus law enforcement. Activists hope this approach will be able to successfully challenge the status quo of police and protester engagement. It creates opportunities for a more artistic and imaginative practice of dissent.
In adopting this playful persona, the climate protesters hope to counteract narratives that cast them as violent or extremist. The inflatable costumes, most notably the frog costume, are crucial for subverting the damaging media depictions. They draw attention to the ridiculousness of calling peaceful demonstrators the real threat. Through the costumes, they bring this levity to what can be heavy conversations around immigration and civil rights. This fun and creative approach helps inspire a wider public conversation about these important topics.
“It’s about making the president and the feds look dumb.” – Seth Todd
Viral Moments and Community Engagement
Beyond the ubiquitous hashtags of #slomo and #dance, a recent TikTok video documented one such dramatic situation that went completely viral. It exposed an ICE agent gassing a climate activist’s inflatable frog suit. This video quickly gained over two million views, illustrating how such moments can resonate with a larger audience and amplify the message of resistance. The costume’s comical appearance, however, could not be more opposite than the real-life, dire consequences of police behavior. This interpersonal dynamic is what makes for a dramatic story that excites audiences.
The inflatable frog gained fame for its use in many protests. As a creative example of this approach, it even joined the Emergency World Naked Bike Ride while in Portland. Activists argue that humor can serve as a powerful tool in activism, breaking down barriers and fostering community solidarity among those who may feel disenfranchised or marginalized.
The inflatable frog costume has become a fixture in Portland’s protest scene, particularly amid heightened tensions following President Trump’s characterization of the city as “burning to the ground” and “overrun with domestic terrorists.” The inflatable frog, centerpiece of an ongoing public art project, brings a lighthearted element to the mood. It acts as a soulful and mighty monument to the community’s grit and determination in the face of great odds to rise.
A Historical Context of Costume in Activism
Costumes and decorative dress have a rich tradition in political protest. This practice has historical precedent in many of the social movements and civic engagement efforts in our nation’s history. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s, individuals often marched in their best suits and dresses to assert their dignity against dehumanizing racism. Similarly, today’s activists draw upon this legacy, utilizing costume to reclaim space and express identity in a playful yet meaningful manner.
The Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army (CIRCA) in London apply folly and absurdity to their activism. Their protests are remarkable for their creativity and humor. This historical context underscores that while the inflatable frog costume may seem whimsical, it is part of a larger trend of using creative strategies to challenge oppressive systems.
In Portland, Oregon, artists have created their own concepts for how to inflate the frog with thrilling results. They’re even making parodies of Shepard Fairey’s iconic OBEY design! In these adaptations, the cartoon amphibian substitutes for the authoritarian figure. This wonderful oddball of a character with the “DON’T OBEY” slogan proudly painted on his chest, subtly deepens a powerful comical mood of defiance.
The Role of Collective Action
As tensions continue to escalate regarding immigration policies under the Trump administration, these innovative forms of protest demonstrate that humor can coexist with serious political discourse. The inflatable frog costume represents just one of the many faces of activism. This illustrated the need for creativity in order to ignite public engagement and facilitate constructive conversation.