zoot suit-wearing Chicano from the 1940s and 50s Joker — true to his name, an inveterate clown and jokester El Paletero — ice cream vendor who works to bring his grandchildren from Mexico Officer Placa — chubby police officer who knows all the Homies by name El Padrecito ("the little father") — Franciscan priest in sunglasses, based on creator David Gonzales' brother Robert (who is a priest) El Profe — a Master's degree-qualified high school teacher who stays in the barrio to help Shady — mother who works as a stripper to support her son Willie G — ex-gangster who works as a counsellor, trying to turn children away from crime. Paralyzed form the waist down as the result of gang violence. Whisper — half-Spanish and half-Sicilian, she is related to The Palermos Cultural impact The LAPD's complaints about the Homies figures were based on the characters' appearances. Since gang members are usually depicted in similar clothes as those of the Homies, the police felt the toys promoted gang life. In fact, the Homies figures so closely matched gang members' attire that an L.A. county district deputy attorney was inclined to use the Homies toys as an example of what not to wear. He suggested that people who were dressed in such a manner would be considered as violating probation. Similarly, Latino advocacy groups such as the Imagen Foundation objected to the Homies portrayal of Chicanos as "gang members, undocumented, or drug dealers." Other groups felt the Homies perpetuated gross stereotypes about Chicanos. On the other hand, the Homies toy line has been shown to help Latin American adolescents with their cultural identity and self-esteem. As the toy line has expanded, the various characters carry a much greater range of lifestyle choices and possibilities. Another positive way the Homies toys have influenced society is via Gonzales’s brother, Robert, who after a life of crime and violence, became a priest. Himself confined to a wheelchair, Robert suggested that Gonzales create a Homie in a wheelchair. Willie G, as the character was named, has since become one of the more popular Homies, even being promoted by the Special Olympics. The Homie character Padrecito ("priest") resembles Robert, and has been used to connect with and help those looking for a route out of the ghetto. Through “El Padrecito’s Online Church,” Homies have made it easier for society to connect with those looking to