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.
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 
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 
, which totally holds true! 
By tapping into our playful nature, we can build resilience & find strength in our creativity 
#PlayfulResistance
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! 
. Who needs serious protests when you can have inflatable frogs and gray-haired banjo players? 
. 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 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 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 
no way, playfulness is where it's at! whether it's making a funny meme 
, playfulness can totally shift our vibe and help us feel more connected to ourselves and others. 
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.
especially with all the trauma and oppression going on, it's amazing that clowns are using their art to spread joy and positivity 
i've been feeling so anxious lately but seeing those clowns at the No Kings rallies gave me LIFE 
we need more of that in this world 
that's so beautiful and empowering 
i'm so here for this trend and i hope it keeps on spreading 
. It's a powerful way to show resilience and find freedom in the face of adversity 
. After all, as the clowns are saying, "It's what I had" - and that's something we can all get behind