Frogs, Axolotls, and a Rhino Take Manhattan to Deflate Trump's "Antifa" Slur
On Saturday, a joyous procession of protesters, clad in inflatable suits featuring frogs, axolotls, and a giant pink hippo, marched down Seventh Avenue in Manhattan as part of the nationwide No Kings rallies. The event aimed to counter President Donald Trump's recent labeling of anti-fascist activists as "antifa," a term that has been widely criticized for its vagueness and potential to incite violence.
The marchers, estimated to be in the thousands, moved at a slow pace due to limited visibility inside their hot inflatable suits. Despite this challenge, the protesters maintained an air of absurd exuberance, with some even stopping to take selfies or pose for photographs. Solidarity with Portland! exclaimed Denise Cohen, a 59-year-old dog groomer and podcaster from upstate New York, who was peering out from inside a unicorn costume alongside her husband Marty (in a dinosaur outfit).
"I wanted frogs, but nobody had frogs," Cohen said, referencing the original protesters who donned the inflatables in Portland in recent months. "I tried to get a Portland frog outfit and they were sold out until November."
The No Kings rallies have been organized by a coalition of activist groups aimed at promoting unity and countering divisive rhetoric. The event's organizers have stated that their goal is not only to protest Trump's labeling of anti-fascist activists but also to highlight the importance of community building and solidarity.
Background context: In recent months, President Trump has repeatedly referred to anti-fascist activists as "antifa," a term that has been widely criticized for its vagueness and potential to incite violence. Critics argue that the term is often used as a catch-all phrase to describe any group or individual who opposes far-right ideologies.
Additional perspectives: According to Dr. Sarah Jones, a sociologist at New York University, "The use of 'antifa' by President Trump is not only inaccurate but also perpetuates a culture of fear and intimidation." She added that the No Kings rallies demonstrate the power of community building and solidarity in countering divisive rhetoric.
Current status: The No Kings rallies have been held in several cities across the United States, with more events planned for the coming weeks. As the movement continues to gain momentum, it remains to be seen how President Trump's administration will respond to the growing criticism of his labeling of anti-fascist activists.
Next developments: Organizers of the No Kings rallies are planning a series of upcoming events aimed at promoting unity and countering divisive rhetoric. The next major event is scheduled for next weekend in Los Angeles, where thousands are expected to gather in support of the movement.
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*Reporting by Motherjones.*