Controversy Over ‘Homies’

Re “Markets Withdraw ‘Homie’ Toy Figures After Complaints,” May 26: I am disturbed by the alarm over the harmless “Homies” toys. To say that they are in any way violent is preposterous and only stems from a misunderstanding of Latino youth culture. Clothing does not make a gang member. Distinctive dress is indicative of a group’s search for identity and solidarity in a sometimes hostile environment. I could understand the alarm if the figures were holding guns or booze, but no, they are being removed from stores simply because of how they are dressed.

In the toy store, if these are stereotypes of Latino men, then the stereotype of white men is conquering, xenophobic, merciless killer and militaristic warmonger. How many decades have we been letting our boys play with those gun-waving, bomb-lobbing, green-plastic army men? For once, I am glad to see a nonviolent toy out there.

C.T. DAVIS

Sherman Oaks

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I find it very offensive and downright ignorant that [Homies creator] David Gonzales feels he can relate to his little toys and the way they are dressed as being a big part of our culture and then to go on and say that the people throwing rocks are on the outside looking in (May 24). I feel Gonzales needs to wake up and ask himself what these little toys represent and the true meaning behind their style of dress. I guarantee you it has nothing to do with Chicano culture, but with a way of life that has caused pain, sorrow and even death to those involved, and that’s not to mention the innocent lives that have been lost.

To say that the toys don’t represent violent gangsters, just authentic barrio life from the 1970s and 1980s, and then to say that was a more peaceful life than the present really tells me where his heart is. In his wallet!

GEORGE A. PEREZ

Mayor of Cudahy