Anarcho-punk is deeply rooted in left-wing politics and DIY culture. Few other genres of music can boast the same dedication. However, it can be hard to trace the root of this commitment and the genre’s anarchist ideology in general. Fortunately, we were able to sit down with genre pioneers and titular characters from Gertrude Chandler Warner’s “The Boxcar Children” to explore anarcho-punk culture and ideology in depth.
The Hard Times: Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today.
Jessie Boxcar: This isn’t some kind of sellout, corporate fan rag, is it?
No. No. The Hard Times is completely DIY.
Henry ‘Jim-Bones’ Boxcar: You better not be lying, you corporate fascist. We’ll fuck you up.
Neat. First question: how did you originally get involved in anarcho-punk?
Violet Boxcar: That’s a stupid question. It sounds like something a sellout would ask.
Interesting. Next, you guys have a pretty tragic backstory; orphaned, abandoned. Has that affected your worldview?
Benny Boxcar: Hey, look guys! I found some more rusty spoons.
Henry: Good. We can sharpen them into knives. Wait, what was your question?
Never mind. You basically just answered it. Do you think your choice to live in a boxcar affected the direction of anarcho-punk as a whole?
Jessie: You don’t choose the boxcar. It chooses you.
How’s that?
Violet: Figures a corporate sellout wouldn’t understand. Fascist.
Understood. What kind of music do you guys listen to?
Benny: I like Depeche Mode.
Jessie: Shhh! Shut up, you little corporate sellout poser narc fascist fuck.
Okay, last question. Is it true you’re all actually the rich grandchildren of an affluent steel baron and this whole boxcar schtick is just you goofy fucks playing around?
Henry: The jig is up! Everybody, back to the boxcar.
Violet: You mean the summerhouse?
Henry: Just fucking move!