In Portland, Oregon, a wave of creative protest has taken hold, with demonstrators donning colorful animal costumes to mock President Trump’s apocalyptic rhetoric. The trend, which began in 2020 with anarchists clad in black, has evolved into a more lighthearted form of expression. Recent images show protesters in dinosaur suits and shark costumes strolling through the city, a stark contrast to the earlier, more ominous imagery.
The choice of animal costumes is seen as a way to subvert the narrative of fear and chaos that was associated with the 2020 protests. By embracing playful and symbolic representations, demonstrators are not only making a political statement but also engaging in a form of cultural resistance. This shift reflects a broader trend among activists to use humor and creativity as tools for activism.
Analysts suggest that the use of animals in protest is a way to distance the movement from the more extreme elements that characterized the earlier protests. By adopting these costumes, protesters are able to make their message more accessible and less confrontational. The trend is also seen as a way to attract younger generations to the cause, who may be more drawn to the novelty and humor of such expressions of dissent.