{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Tony Kushner on The Pushcart War","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/tony-kushner-on-the-pushcart-war","audioUrl":"https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/waroncars/TWC_031726_V2.mp3?dest-id=807818","description":"The Pushcart War—written by Jean Merrill and illustrated by Ronni Solbert and first published in 1964—is a charming and provocative children's novel that tells the story of a band of pushcart vendors who fight against the organized forces of big trucks on the congested, contested streets of New York City. For Tony Kushner, the Pulitzer-prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, and author, reading the book as a child was a formative experience. \"It made opposition, even nonviolent civil disobedience, seem fun and right and necessary and heroic, and something even someone as powerless as a kid can and should undertake,\" he has said. March 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the date on which the events described in the book are said to have begun. So we invited Kushner on to talk about The Pushcart War and what it can tell us about how to defend human beauty and agency against the brutal forces of technocratic capitalism.   Get The Pushcart War, plus other great books for kids,  at our Bookshop.org page.  Join The War on Cars on Patreon and listen to exclusive ad-free versions of regular episodes, Patreon-only bonus content, Discord access, invitations to live events, merch discounts and free stickers! Order our new book,  Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile, out now from Thesis, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Find us on tour and get tickets at LifeAfterCars.com.  Thanks to  Upway for sponsoring this episode.  Use this link and save $100 off any order of $800 or more with the code TWOC100. Thanks also to Cleverhood. Listen to this episode for the latest discount code and get 15% off the best rain gear for walking and cycling. The War on Cars is produced with support from the Helen and William Mazer Foundation. TheWarOnCars.org       "},"annotations":[{"startTime":1.7,"endTime":6.5,"type":"concept","title":"e-bike revolution","url":"/glossary/e-bike-revolution","quote":"We're in the middle of what can only be described as an e-bike revolution. From e-bikes made for the commute to work, carrying kids in cargo, or having some fun,","canonicalId":"concept:e-bike-revolution","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The e-bike revolution refers to the rapid growth and adoption of electric bicycles, which are bicycles equipped with an electric motor to assist with pedaling. This movement is changing urban mobility by offering an alternative to cars and public transit.","simplifiedExplanation":"An e-bike is a bike that has a small motor to help you pedal, making it easier to ride. The e-bike revolution means lots of people are starting to use these bikes instead of cars or buses."}},{"startTime":22.7,"endTime":47.0,"type":"concept","title":"certified refurbished e-bikes","url":"/glossary/certified-refurbished-e-bikes","quote":"Upway is the world's biggest and best place to get new and certified refurbished e-bikes from name brands at big discounts. The team at Upway can help you find the perfect bike, no matter your experience or what you plan to use yours for. Not only that, but the qualified mechanics at Upway tune and inspect each bike, so it's as good as new before it's delivered to your door.","canonicalId":"concept:certified-refurbished-e-bikes","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Certified refurbished e-bikes are used electric bicycles that have been inspected, repaired, and tested by qualified mechanics to ensure they meet certain quality standards before being resold. This offers buyers a more affordable option with some warranty protection.","simplifiedExplanation":"Certified refurbished e-bikes are used electric bikes that experts have checked and fixed up to make sure they work well before selling them again. They usually come with a guarantee."}},{"startTime":194.1,"endTime":213.1,"type":"concept","title":"Pushcart War","url":"/glossary/pushcart-war","quote":"The Pushkart War, written by Gene Merrill and illustrated by Ronny Salbert and first published in 1964, tells the story of a band of Pushkart vendors who fight against the organized forces of big trucks on the streets of New York City.","canonicalId":"concept:pushcart-war","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Pushcart War is a children's novel published in 1964 by Gene Merrill that tells the story of pushcart vendors in New York City fighting against the dominance of big trucks on city streets. It uses this conflict as a metaphor for social justice and power struggles in urban environments.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Pushcart War is a story about small street vendors who use pushcarts to sell goods and how they stand up to big trucks that take over the city streets. It shows how ordinary people can fight against powerful forces."}},{"startTime":516.4,"endTime":523.7,"type":"concept","title":"push cart peddlers","url":"/glossary/push-cart-peddlers","quote":"and very witty. It's really exciting to read a book written for kids where all the people in it are adults, although they feel the push cart peddlers especially are very approachable as sort of the kind of adults that kids would not feel alarmed by","canonicalId":"concept:push-cart-peddlers","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Push cart peddlers are street vendors who sell goods from small carts that can be pushed by hand. Historically, they were common in urban areas like New York City and represent a form of grassroots commerce often associated with immigrant communities.","simplifiedExplanation":"Push cart peddlers are people who sell things from small carts they push around on the street. They were common in cities and helped many people make a living by selling food or other items."}},{"startTime":529.4,"endTime":536.5,"type":"term","title":"trucks","url":"/glossary/trucks","quote":"that she sort of realized that trucks were like the machine equivalent of schoolyard bullies. As a little gay kid who was having a tough time on various playgrounds","canonicalId":"term:trucks","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Trucks are motor vehicles designed primarily for transporting goods. In the context of urban history, trucks often symbolize industrialization and the shift from small-scale street vending to mechanized delivery, sometimes seen as overpowering smaller vendors.","simplifiedExplanation":"Trucks are big vehicles used to carry things from one place to another. In cities, trucks can be seen as strong machines that sometimes push out smaller sellers who use carts."}},{"startTime":847.6,"endTime":856.6,"type":"concept","title":"bully","url":"/glossary/bully","quote":"that this is a seminal text for you because your work is about a lot of it is about bullies and how to resist bullies and abusers in the public realm","canonicalId":"concept:bully","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A bully is a person who uses strength or power to harm or intimidate those who are weaker. The discussion relates bullying to public abuse and power dynamics in society.","simplifiedExplanation":"A bully is someone who is mean to others and tries to scare or hurt them. This talk is about how bullies act in public places and how people can stand up to them."}},{"startTime":924.5,"endTime":931.3,"type":"term","title":"truck driver","url":"/glossary/truck-driver","quote":"Morris the florist gets aggressively pushed by the truck driver yes and that Professor Cumberley has a theory of history","canonicalId":"term:truck-driver","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A truck driver operates large commercial vehicles used for transporting goods. In this context, the truck driver is involved in an aggressive pushing incident, highlighting themes of bullying and power.","simplifiedExplanation":"A truck driver is someone who drives big trucks to move things from one place to another. Here, the truck driver is pushing someone, showing how big vehicles can be used to intimidate."}},{"startTime":931.3,"endTime":950.3,"type":"concept","title":"large object theory of history","url":"/glossary/large-object-theory-of-history","quote":"Professor Cumberley has a theory of history called the large object it's all capitalized the large object theory of history which is basically what you need to do to survive in the world is to be so big that if anybody gets in your way just run them over","canonicalId":"concept:large-object-theory-of-history","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The large object theory of history is a concept describing how being so big and powerful that you can run over any obstacle is a way to survive and dominate in the world. It is used here to explain the behavior of bullies who use their size or power to get what they want without regard for others.","simplifiedExplanation":"This idea means that if you are really big or strong, you can push through anything or anyone in your way. It’s like being so big that people have to move aside or get hurt."}},{"startTime":1324.0,"endTime":1331.3,"type":"term","title":"domestic terrorism","url":"/glossary/domestic-terrorism","quote":"...they're shooting peas into truck tires and flattening them it's it's it's domestic terrorism yeah well i mean when i was reading...","canonicalId":"term:domestic-terrorism","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Domestic terrorism refers to violent acts committed by individuals or groups within a country against their fellow citizens or property, often to achieve political or social objectives. In the context of vehicles, it can involve attacks targeting cars, trucks, or infrastructure to cause disruption or fear.","simplifiedExplanation":"Domestic terrorism means people doing harmful or violent things inside their own country to scare others or make a point. Sometimes this can involve damaging cars or trucks on purpose."}},{"startTime":1324.0,"endTime":1331.3,"type":"term","title":"truck tires","url":"/glossary/truck-tires","quote":"...they're shooting peas into truck tires and flattening them it's it's it's domestic terrorism yeah well i mean when i was reading...","canonicalId":"term:truck-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Truck tires are the large, heavy-duty tires designed to support the weight and load of trucks. They differ from passenger car tires in size, construction, and durability to handle the demands of commercial and industrial use.","simplifiedExplanation":"Truck tires are big, strong tires made to carry heavy trucks and their loads. They are tougher than regular car tires."}},{"startTime":1604.6,"endTime":1611.2,"type":"concept","title":"bike lane","url":"/glossary/bike-lane","quote":"\"...we see every time we try to you know put in a bike lane or take parking and turn it into public seating the car owners who know have immense power in the city relative to their numbers cry victim...\"","canonicalId":"concept:bike-lane","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A bike lane is a designated lane on a road specifically for bicycle traffic, intended to improve safety and encourage cycling. Bike lanes often reduce space available for cars or parking.","simplifiedExplanation":"A bike lane is a special part of the road just for bikes, so they can ride safely without cars in the way."}},{"startTime":1604.6,"endTime":1611.2,"type":"concept","title":"parking","url":"/glossary/parking","quote":"\"...we see every time we try to you know put in a bike lane or take parking and turn it into public seating the car owners who know have immense power in the city relative to their numbers cry victim...\"","canonicalId":"concept:parking","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Parking refers to designated areas or spaces where vehicles can be left temporarily. In urban planning, parking space allocation is often a contentious issue as it competes with other uses like bike lanes or public seating.","simplifiedExplanation":"Parking means places where cars can be left when people are not driving them. Sometimes cities change parking spots into other things like places to sit."}},{"startTime":2068.58,"endTime":2075.4,"type":"car","title":"Ford Ranger","url":"/cars/ford/ranger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Ford_Ranger_%28T6%2C_P703%29_Wildtrak_IMG_7320.jpg","quote":"...because i know i can just throw on my clever hood ranger rain cape  and i'll be all set to go wherever i n...","canonicalId":"car:ford:ranger","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its versatility and capability in both urban and off-road settings. It is popular for its balance of size, power, and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for work and everyday driving. The mention of a 'hood ranger rain cape' suggests a playful reference to the vehicle's rugged and adaptable nature.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Ranger is a medium-sized truck made by Ford. It's used for carrying things and driving in different kinds of weather and roads. People like it because it is strong but not too big.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2148.3,"endTime":2154.5,"type":"concept","title":"open streets","url":"/glossary/open-streets","quote":"and i love that because that is the war on cars vision of new york city in many ways that is the open streets version of new york city that is the congestion pricing vision","canonicalId":"concept:open-streets","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Open streets initiatives temporarily close streets to motor vehicles, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and vendors to use the space freely, promoting community interaction and reducing car traffic.","simplifiedExplanation":"Open streets means closing some roads to cars for a while so people can walk, bike, and enjoy the space safely without cars."}},{"startTime":2154.5,"endTime":2160.4,"type":"concept","title":"congestion pricing","url":"/glossary/congestion-pricing","quote":"that is the open streets version of new york city that is the congestion pricing vision and version of new york city but it's also a vision of what happens when the powerful are vanquished","canonicalId":"concept:congestion-pricing","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Congestion pricing is a system where drivers are charged a fee to enter or drive in certain areas during peak traffic times to reduce congestion and encourage alternative transportation.","simplifiedExplanation":"Congestion pricing means you pay money to drive in busy city areas during busy times. This helps reduce traffic jams and makes the city less crowded."}},{"startTime":2261.3,"endTime":2266.0,"type":"car","title":"Chrysler New Yorker","url":"/cars/chrysler/new-yorker","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/1961_Chrysler_New_Yorker%2C_front_view_%28low%29.jpg","quote":"...nd of course this is one of the things that every new yorker loves about new york  and it's one of the great p...","canonicalId":"car:chrysler:new-yorker","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chrysler New Yorker was a full-size luxury sedan produced by Chrysler, known for its comfort and upscale features during its production years. It was often associated with classic American luxury and was popular among urban drivers, including those in New York City. Its mention reflects its cultural significance and appeal to New Yorkers who appreciate its traditional qualities.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chrysler New Yorker is a big, comfortable car made by Chrysler. It was designed to be fancy and smooth to drive, often liked by people living in cities like New York.","imageAttribution":"PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2266.0,"endTime":2272.0,"type":"concept","title":"pushcart vendor","url":"/glossary/pushcart-vendor","quote":"and it's one of the great privileges of my life that i was able to be a push cart vendor my first job out of high school","canonicalId":"concept:pushcart-vendor","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A pushcart vendor sells goods from a small cart that can be pushed around, often on city streets. This form of street vending is common in urban areas and is part of informal economies.","simplifiedExplanation":"A pushcart vendor is someone who sells things like food or snacks from a small cart they push around on the street."}},{"startTime":2495.2,"endTime":2500.9,"type":"term","title":"public transportation","url":"/glossary/public-transportation","quote":"and then public transportation which you know there's nothing better nothing i love when i was a baby my mother said if i was cranky and she wanted to get me to stop crying she would take me down into the subway station","canonicalId":"term:public-transportation","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"Public transportation refers to systems like buses, trains, and subways that are available for use by the general public. These systems reduce the need for private cars and help decrease traffic congestion and pollution.","simplifiedExplanation":"Public transportation means buses, trains, or other vehicles that anyone can use to get around the city instead of driving their own car."}},{"startTime":2505.5,"endTime":2516.9,"type":"term","title":"subway","url":"/glossary/subway","quote":"if i was cranky and she wanted to get me to stop crying she would take me down into the subway station because i loved the sound of the trains going by and i would stop crying and maybe that's why i love but i love the subways i couldn't live without riding the subways","canonicalId":"term:subway","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"A subway is an underground rapid transit system used in many large cities to transport passengers quickly and efficiently. It often serves as a vital public transportation network that connects various parts of a city.","simplifiedExplanation":"A subway is like a train that runs underground in a city to help people get around fast without using cars. Many big cities have subways to make travel easier."}},{"startTime":2993.06,"endTime":2999.64,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Suburban","url":"/cars/chevrolet/suburban","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Chevrolet_Suburban_%28GMT800%29_Washington_DC_Metro_Area%2C_USA.jpg","quote":"...re like middle  class to upper middle class normy suburban population that is we hope turns against Trump  t...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:suburban","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4.1-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Suburban is a large, full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities, often favored by families and for suburban use. It has a long history as one of the largest SUVs available, making it a symbol of suburban and family-oriented transportation. Its mention in the context of 'middle class to upper middle class normy suburban population' highlights its association with typical suburban lifestyles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Suburban is a very big SUV made by Chevrolet. It can carry many people and lots of stuff, making it good for families and long trips. It is often used in neighborhoods outside big cities.","imageAttribution":"OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"The War on Cars","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"LLC","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/tony-kushner-on-the-pushcart-war/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}