[4] Recognizable by their angular and pressed hairstyles[5] reminiscent of characters from the Japanese franchise Pokémon,[6][7] Pokemones were one of the largest and most well-known urban tribes in the country.
Most Pokemones were teenagers who enjoyed dancing to reggaeton music at parties and engaging in kissing and physical contact, referred to as poncear, with multiple individuals regardless of gender.
[5][9] Typically hailing from Chile's middle and lower-class backgrounds, Pokemones were often juxtaposed with another group known as peloláis, which consisted of affluent girls with long, straight, and fair hair attending private Catholic schools.
[10] In January 2008, messages advocating violence against Pokemones began circulating online, primarily due to their adoption of various elements from other subcultures, including emo hairstyles, hip-hop clothing, and the Crip Walk dance style.
[11][failed verification] In response, the Chilean government and student leaders from Santiago organized a joint anti-violence campaign called the "Foundation for a Better Future.