The Inflatable Protestor’s Handbook

Grab your friends and create your own brigade of whatever whimsical absurdity you can come up with, and get out there and let your voice be heard! Here’s how.

Wait, this is silly … why frogs?

Peaceful, Playful, Prepared

Inflatable costumes disarm aggression through humor, invite cameras through absurdity, and remind everyone that dissent can be joyful. They also make you a big, puffy target — so preparation matters.

1. Getting Your Costume

Where to Buy:

Amazon / eBay: search “inflatable costume” + your chosen animal (frog, dinosaur, unicorn, etc.).
Specialty retailers: SpookShop, Morphsuits, or Costume SuperCenter carry higher-durability models.
Custom builds: Etsy sellers can print or sew custom logos.

What to Look For:

Battery-powered fan: choose a model with an internal blower and replaceable AA battery pack.
Durable seams: reinforced stitching and thicker nylon help it survive contact and sitting.
Ventilation port: one small mesh window near the face or neck for airflow and visibility.
Color visibility: bright, non-camouflage colors help cameras (and allies) spot you fast.

2. Comfort and Practicality

Underlayer: wear lightweight, sweat-wicking clothes (base layer or athletic gear).
Hydration: pre-hydrate; most suits make drinking difficult. Keep water accessible for breaks.
Fogging: some models have a clear plastic face mask, which can fog up. Clip or glue a piece of rag to the brim of a baseball hat to use as a hands-free squeegee.
Battery life: bring spare batteries (or a small USB power bank with adapter). A fan dying mid-march is tragic.
Mobility: practice walking, crouching, and sitting before protest day. Know your limits in the suit.
Visibility: have a spotter — a partner who stays close to help navigate, guide, and communicate.

3. Safety and Peaceful Engagement

Basic Rule: Your costume is both armor and message. Let it protect, not provoke.

Stay in pairs or small pods:

Designate one person as the “eyes” for each inflatable.
Have a meet-up plan and a rally point if separated.

Be aware of heat:
Inflatables trap warmth. Step out every 20–30 minutes to cool off and breathe.

Keep your hands visible:
If your costume covers your hands, keep them raised or open when police are near. Transparency builds trust.

Escape hatch:
Carry something, like a small pen knife, to be able to quickly cut away the suit if it deflates, or it gets inundated with tear gas or pepper spray.

4. De-Escalation in the Face of Aggression

The Principles:

Don’t take the bait. Authoritarians thrive on provocation.
Use humor as shield, not weapon. Mocking individuals inflames; mocking absurdity enlightens.
Maintain emotional tone. Calmness diffuses, shouting escalates.

If confronted by an angry person or officer:

Breathe and ground. Slow your breath; it helps regulate both you and them.
Lower your body language. Step slightly back, palms visible, shoulders loose.
Acknowledge, don’t argue. “I hear you. We’re here peacefully.”
Mirror calm language. Use slow, neutral phrases. Avoid sarcasm or ridicule.
De-escalate with absurdity when safe. A frog giving a peace sign can defuse tension better than a shouted slogan.
If they advance: Move backward calmly. Do not run; regroup with allies.
Record and document if safe — but never at the expense of personal safety.

If tear gas or pepper spray is deployed:

Move upwind or crosswind.
Flush eyes with clean water or saline (never milk).
Don’t rub your face; fabric holds irritants.
Change and seal contaminated clothes in a plastic bag once safe.

5. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Know local protest laws: In Portland and most U.S. cities, masks are legal during peaceful protest, but obstructing sidewalks or traffic can lead to citation.
Do not block emergency services or entrances. Keep your joy mobile.
Never retaliate physically. Record, report, retreat.
Carry ID and a legal support hotline number on your person (inside a waterproof sleeve).

6. Symbolism and Message

The inflatable animal is a mirror held up to power: its silliness highlights the state’s overreaction. Your demeanor should always reinforce that — compassionate, calm, and unarmed. Humor makes authoritarianism look ridiculous because it is ridiculous.

7. After the Protest

Debrief with your pod: what worked, what didn’t, who needs support.
Clean and air out your costume (vinegar-water spray works wonders).
Share footage respectfully — protect faces of fellow protestors if posting online.

Remember:
Peaceful protest is not passive — it’s strategic restraint. Inflatable suits may look silly, but their power is profound. They turn repression into theater and fear into laughter.