In Portland, Oregon, a recent protest drew a significantly larger crowd than previous gatherings. Earlier protests had attracted approximately 10,000 participants, but the latest event saw substantially more attendees, with many opting to join protests in neighborhoods and suburbs as well. Although obtaining an exact count of participants was challenging, the presence of numerous inflatable frog costumes stood out as a memorable feature during the event.
The backdrop of this protest includes President Donald Trump’s executive order that labeled “antifa” as a domestic terror group, a designation that lacks formal recognition. Following this order, Trump directed cabinet members to take measures against alleged antifa supporters and their financial backers. The president also called for the National Guard to address unrest in Portland, which has become a focal point in national discussions about these protests.
As tensions rose, the state of Oregon and Portland engaged in legal action claiming that the president inaccurately characterized the situation in the city. This led to the emergence of new protest symbols, including inflatable frog costumes, which gained traction after a viral video depicting a protester in such a costume confronting federal agents.
The visual landscape of recent protests in Portland has shifted from patriotic symbols to a proliferation of frog-themed attire, with signs and costumes depicting frogs in various forms. Many protesters utilized humor and satire in their messages, often directed at the federal government’s portrayal of the protests.
City Councilor Sameer Kanal commented on the lack of a visible “war zone” during the protests, contrasting the city’s vibrant atmosphere with ongoing federal law enforcement presence. The protests included a mix of costumes resembling popular characters and a general atmosphere reminiscent of a carnival. Participants aimed to voice their concerns over various political issues while fostering a sense of community through humor and defiance.
As tensions between federal agents and protesters remain, the events in Portland reflect a complex intersection of political expression, community response, and changing dynamics in protest culture.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/policy/802315/portland-no-kings-october-ice-protests-frog-antifa