Protesters in the United States have embraced inflatable costumes as a light-hearted response to political tensions, following an incident involving a Portland activist. On October 2, 2023, Seth Todd donned an inflatable frog costume during a demonstration outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Portland, Oregon. His costume drew attention after a federal officer sprayed chemical agents into the outfit’s air vent, spurring a wave of similar attire at protests nationwide.
The video of Todd’s encounter quickly gained traction on social media, further popularizing inflatable costumes at rallies. These whimsical outfits, which include hippos in tutus and dinosaurs, have become a defining feature of protests against former President Donald Trump’s administration. This movement was notably highlighted during the recent “No Kings” marches across the country, showcasing a creative form of dissent.
Protesters Use Humor to Challenge Narratives
Todd, 24, expressed his surprise at the overwhelming attention his costume received, stating, “I’m honored to have inspired a movement like this.” He emphasized that these costumes help counteract the narrative that protesters are violent and confrontational. Instead, they serve as a playful rebuttal to Trump’s depiction of Portland as chaotic and destructive.
Protesters have also faced escalating tensions in the city. The ICE facility has been a focal point for nightly demonstrations, which peaked in June when a protest was declared a riot by police. Despite the ongoing legal battles surrounding federal troop deployments aimed at protecting federal properties, the protests continue, albeit with a lighter tone thanks to the inflatable costumes.
Spreading the Inflatable Spirit Nationwide
The phenomenon has spread beyond Portland, with groups like Operation Inflation distributing inflatable costumes to encourage participation in protests. Co-founders Brooks Brown and Jordy Lybeck have been actively providing costumes, including whimsical designs such as mushrooms and Frankenstein figures, to demonstrators.
At a recent No Kings rally in Chicago, participants donned a variety of costumes, including a “pegacorn,” blending elements of unicorns and Pegasus. Kristen Vandawalker, the political action director for Indivisible Chicago Northwest, noted that the costumes create a non-threatening atmosphere that challenges the perception of protesters. “It’s hard to look threatening when there’s a fan blowing you up,” she remarked, highlighting the effectiveness of humor in activism.
These inflatable costumes not only promote a spirit of fun but also align with Portland’s reputation for eccentricity, encapsulated in its unofficial motto, “Keep Portland Weird.” Marc Rodriguez, a history professor at Portland State University, remarked on the city’s long-standing tradition of unconventional protest, underscoring its cultural significance.
In an era where political demonstrations can often be fraught with tension, the inflatable costumes represent a unique strategy to reclaim the narrative and foster a sense of community among protesters. As Todd and his fellow activists embrace this new form of expression, the movement continues to evolve, aiming to inspire joy and engagement in the face of adversity.
