The recent shift of protests against immigration enforcement to Charlotte, North Carolina, coincided with an unusual but striking symbol: inflatable frog costumes. Following an incident in October where an agent from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deployed pepper spray into the air vent of a protester’s inflatable frog costume in Portland, Oregon, the sight of these costumes has become a hallmark of anti-Trump demonstrations. This visual shift not only softens the protesters’ image but also challenges narratives portraying them as violent.
These costumes emerged as a form of subversive humor, making it difficult to associate the protesters with extremist behavior. Activist Seth Todd, who began wearing an inflatable frog costume, noted, “Nothing about this screams extremist and violent,” as reported by The Oregonian. This playful approach allows activists to appear less threatening to law enforcement while also providing some physical protection. The playful and interactive nature of these costumes helps create an inviting atmosphere at protests, encouraging broader participation.
The ongoing trend of utilizing inflatable costumes reflects a dynamic shift in tactics within social movements. Such strategies can expand participation by attracting individuals who may hesitate to engage in more confrontational forms of protest. As Halloween approaches, the accessibility of these costumes makes them even more appealing. Amazon has even created a category for “protest costumes,” highlighting their growing popularity.
The No Kings protests on October 18, 2023, showcased a diverse group of participants, many of whom were first-time protesters. “We are middle of the road,” commented one participant dressed as a frog in Chicago. “We’re just regular folks who have had enough.” The incorporation of inflatable bears, unicorns, dinosaurs, and raccoons into protests illustrates a broader movement towards light-hearted resistance.
The Portland Frog Brigade, a group dedicated to promoting free speech through creative expression, exemplifies this trend. They aim to “artfully exercise our First Amendment right,” while others, like Operation Inflation, focus on collecting and distributing inflatable costumes to protesters. Videos capturing these activists dancing in their costumes outside ICE facilities depict a vibrant and playful rebellion against authority.
The use of inflatables in political protests is not a novel concept. Historical examples include the large inflatable “Trump chicken” displayed outside the White House in 2017 and the “Trump baby” blimp that floated over Parliament in London during a state visit in 2018. The tradition of using absurdist performances and playful displays can be traced back to the 1960s, with groups like the Bread and Puppet Theater using puppets to protest against the Vietnam War.
Such tactics have evolved but remain effective. Organizations like the Raging Grannies gained recognition in the early 2000s for their colorful costumes and satirical songs at anti-war and anti-nuclear demonstrations. Similarly, LGBTQ+ advocates have engaged in creative forms of dissent, including pie-throwing and glitter-bombing right-wing politicians, demonstrating the effectiveness of performance art in political activism.
The current wave of inflatable costumes underscores the potency of humor as a tool for political dissent. In a climate where state violence and authoritarianism are increasingly prevalent, these playful elements serve to challenge and critique the status quo. The contrasting imagery of light-hearted costumes against the backdrop of serious political issues highlights the resilience and creativity of activists striving for social change.
