American protest is getting more playful. That doesn't mean we're not serious | Cas Holman

The United States has long been associated with protest and activism. However, as the country's current administration wages war on democracy and civil rights, a new wave of protests is emerging – one that's unapologetically playful.

When President Trump called Portland, Oregon, "a hellhole" overrun by "the Radical Left's reign of terror," Portlanders responded with a tongue-in-cheek flair. Inflatable frogs, clowns, naked cyclists, and gray-haired banjo players took to the streets, turning what could have been a confrontational moment into an impromptu folk-song sing-along.

The trend is not limited to Portland. Across the country, protesters are using playfulness as a means of resistance. For some, it's about reclaiming their sense of identity and community in the face of oppression. Others see play as a way to cope with the overwhelming uncertainty that comes with living in an uncertain world.

As one clown put it, "Clowning is how I access childlike wonder, joy, and positivity." This mindset is exactly what's needed in these trying times – a resilience born from embracing possibility and reframing success on our own terms. By tapping into play, we can release judgment and find freedom in the midst of chaos.

The concept isn't new, however. For queer people of color, play has long been a tool for resistance and self-expression. The Stonewall Uprising was a moment of defiance against oppression, marked by a parade that continues to honor the struggle and resilience of marginalized communities today.

As we navigate this uncertain world, it's more important than ever to tap into our playful nature. Playfulness is not just a coping mechanism; it's an active strategy for building resilience in the face of adversity. By embracing play, we can find strength in our creativity and humor – and create a new kind of resistance that's both beautiful and powerful.

Take last weekend's No Kings rallies, for example. With millions taking to the streets, participants showed up with costumes that ranged from inflatable animals to Muppet characters. One participant even strapped a vintage toy to their head, while another donned an "I'm with Stupid" t-shirt – only to reveal it was a cleverly placed gag.

For those who've experienced trauma or duress, the clown's message of "It's what I had" resonates deeply. Clowns in refugee camps and hospitals have found that playfulness can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.

As we inch past Penn Station, the clowns remind us that play is not just for children – it's an act of resistance that can bring people together and spark joy even in the most trying times. In this uncertain world, playfulness is our best hope for finding freedom and staying true to ourselves.

The way they're using play as a form of resistance is actually kinda genius . I mean, who needs serious protests when you can just bring a bunch of clowns and inflatable frogs to the party? It's like they're saying, "Hey, we're not going to take this lying down, but we're gonna do it with a smile on our face and a honk in our horn." And honestly, it's kinda infectious . I've seen some funny vids of people in costume showing up to rallies and just making everyone laugh. It's like they're saying, "Hey, life's too short for being serious all the time."

Ugh, I'm so over these forums and how they just swallow up anything entertaining without giving it a proper thread... I mean, have you seen the latest news about Portland's protests? Those inflatable frogs and clowns are EVERYTHING! The idea of using playfulness as resistance is genius. It's like, we're living in some kind of weird, messed-up game and we need to find ways to cope. Clowning around might be a literal way to access that childlike wonder and positivity, but it's also kinda profound...

I love how people are using humor & playfulness as a form of protest! It's like, why be all serious when you can bring some joy into the mix? Clowning is literally the answer we need right now – it's about finding that childlike wonder again & not taking ourselves too seriously. I'm all about embracing playfulness as a way to cope with life's challenges It reminds me of the old saying, "laughter is the best medicine" , which totally holds true! By tapping into our playful nature, we can build resilience & find strength in our creativity #PlayfulResistance

The way people are responding to these protests with a dash of humor is like a breath of fresh air! It's amazing how something as playful as an inflatable frog can make a statement that says "we're not afraid of you" without actually saying it. And I love how the article highlights the connection between playfulness and resistance, especially for marginalized communities who have used play as a tool for self-expression and defiance. The idea that playfulness is not just a coping mechanism but an active strategy for building resilience makes total sense to me. We need more of this kind of creativity and humor in our movements for change!

these clowns are literally bringing a smile to my face... meanwhile, the "radical left" is just trying to take itself too seriously . it's amazing how something as simple as play can be such a powerful tool for resistance. i mean, who needs outrage when you can have inflatable frogs and gray-haired banjo players?

I'm loving how Americans are taking back their power with a dash of humor! Playfulness has always been a great way to cope with adversity, but now it's becoming a full-on movement . Who needs serious protests when you can have inflatable frogs and gray-haired banjo players? It's amazing how something as simple as clowning around can bring people together and create a sense of community. I'm definitely inspired to tap into my inner child and find some joy in the chaos .

I'm like totally reminded of those epic Game Boy marathons with friends back in the day . You know how we'd just have a blast playing Mario Kart or Tetris until the wee hours? That same energy is back, but now it's all about spreading positivity and resistance on the streets . I mean, who wouldn't want to show up to a protest with an inflatable frog? It's like our grandparents used to do when they were young, you know? All that playfulness and community spirit is exactly what we need right now - it's not just about clowns and pranks, but about finding joy in the midst of chaos .

I mean, what's up with all these clowns showing up to protests now? Is America so messed up we need clowning around to fight back? I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but like, can't people just be serious about saving the country for once?

And don't even get me started on the No Kings rallies – what's with all the costumes and pranks? It feels like some people are more worried about being funny than actually making a point. I guess that's just the way things are now.

But at the same time, if clowning around can help bring people together and make them feel less alone in this crazy world, then I'm all for it . Maybe we need to rethink what it means to be "serious" about change – is being all like "I'm with Stupid" really a bad thing?

I'm loving this new wave of playful protests! It's amazing how something as simple as having fun can be a powerful form of resistance . I mean, who needs angry chants when you can have inflatable frogs and clown costumes? The way Portlanders turned President Trump's insult into an impromptu folk-song sing-along was pure genius!

And I love how this trend isn't limited to just Portland – it's a nationwide movement that's all about reclaiming our sense of identity and community. It's like, we're not going to let the system bring us down without putting on a show first ! The fact that people are using playfulness as a way to cope with uncertainty is so refreshing – who wouldn't want to tap into childlike wonder and positivity?

It's also amazing how this movement draws inspiration from queer people of color, who have been using play as a tool for resistance and self-expression for years. The Stonewall Uprising was all about finding joy and creativity in the face of oppression – let's keep that spirit alive!

I'm loving this new wave of protests that are embracing playfulness! It's so refreshing to see people using humor and creativity as a form of resistance instead of just getting angry and confrontational. The idea that play can be a tool for healing and connection, especially in trauma or duress situations, is mind-blowing . I mean, who needs therapy when you've got clown costumes and Muppet characters? It's like we're being reminded that joy and positivity are just a mindset away. I'm so down for more of this playful resistance movement . Can you imagine if everyone around the world just started playing dress-up and having fun instead of fighting? Magic, right?

this is so cool i love how people are using playfulness as a form of resistance – it's like, we can't control what's happening outside, but we can totally control how we react to it especially with all the craziness that's going on in the world right now, it's more important than ever to tap into our playful side and find joy in the little things

i mean, think about it – when you're feeling stressed or anxious, what do you usually do? Try to calm down and be serious? no way, playfulness is where it's at! whether it's making a funny meme or having a dance party , playfulness can totally shift our vibe and help us feel more connected to ourselves and others.

and i love that the clowns are getting recognition for this – they're like, the ultimate symbol of playful resistance especially in situations where people might need it most, like refugee camps or hospitals . playfulness is like a superpower that can bring people together and make us feel less alone.

anyway, i'm all about embracing our inner child and letting loose – who's with me?

"Protesting with a smile is the new radical act – we need more clowning around to shake off the seriousness"

I gotta say, I love how Portlanders are trolling Trump with inflatable frogs and clowns like they own the place! Who needs actual protests when you can just bring a bunch of goofy costumes and have a sing-along? It's amazing how this wave of playful resistance is all about reclaiming community and finding joy in the face of oppression. And honestly, who wouldn't want to tap into their inner child (and clown)?

omg i totally get what u r sayin like, clowning around is literally how we cope with the craziness of life right now but also it's so beautiful to see ppl finding strength in playfulness again especially with all the trauma and oppression going on, it's amazing that clowns are using their art to spread joy and positivity i mean, who says you can't be a clown in your 30s or 40s? i've been feeling so anxious lately but seeing those clowns at the No Kings rallies gave me LIFE now i wanna start dressing up as an inflatable animal for my next protest lol what's wrong with embracing playfulness and having fun in the face of adversity, rite? we need more of that in this world

omg i am HERE for this playing with protest is literally the most genius thing i've seen in a long time it's like we need something lighter than just angry chants and signs those inflatable frogs tho i need more of that in my life seriously though i love how clowns are being used as a form of resistance it's all about finding joy and positivity in the midst of chaos and can we talk about queer people of color using play as a tool for resistance? that's so beautiful and empowering i'm so here for this trend and i hope it keeps on spreading

I love how these Americans are using playfulness as a form of resistance against their government's attacks on democracy and civil rights It's like they're saying, "Hey, we may not be able to fight back in the classical sense, but we can definitely have fun and make a statement" Like, who wouldn't want to join a protest with inflatable frogs and naked cyclists? It's all about finding joy and positivity in the midst of chaos.

And I'm totally with that clown who said "Clowning is how I access childlike wonder, joy, and positivity" - we need more people embracing their inner child and having fun as a way to cope with the stress of living in an uncertain world . And it's not just about the kids either - adults are getting into this playful resistance too!

It's amazing how playfulness has been used throughout history, like during the Stonewall Uprising and now again in these No Kings rallies . It's a powerful way to show resilience and find freedom in the face of adversity . And for those who've experienced trauma or duress, it's especially important to have this kind of playfulness as a tool for healing and connection .

So let's all take a page out of these Americans' book and learn to have fun with our resistance movements . After all, as the clowns are saying, "It's what I had" - and that's something we can all get behind

I'm so confused about what's going on with politics rn like, isn't that President Trump guy just being mean again? And I don't get why people are making clown costumes for protests... aren't clowns kinda scary? but at the same time, if it brings people together and makes them feel better, then I guess it's a good thing? what's with all these inflatable frogs tho? Is that some kind of protest thing or just random stuff someone threw on the ground? idk

omg have you guys noticed how ppl r using humor & playfulness as a form of resistance? like, it's super refreshing! i think it's so powerful that clowning can bring ppl together & create a sense of community, especially during uncertain times. and it's not just for kids either, it's an act of self-care & healing for some people. the no kings rallies in nyc were SO cool btw, who wouldn't wanna wear inflatable animals on their heads? i'm all about embracing playfulness as a way to cope with life's craziness & find freedom in chaos

Dude I was just thinking about this crazy new video game I played over the weekend . Like, you know how in real life we can't just summon a dragon with a flip of a switch? Well, in this game, it's totally possible! And let me tell you, it was so satisfying to watch my character defeat all these epic bosses... anyway, what I'm saying is that playfulness can be a really powerful tool for escapism and stress relief. It reminds us that there's more to life than the daily grind. Have you ever tried playing video games with your non-dominant hand? It's actually really challenging and can help improve dexterity and coordination!