Anthony Mackie Blasted For Comments On “The Death Of Masculinity”

Anthony Mackie has opened up about his parenting, sharing that he’s raising his children to be respectful young men in the face of what he believes to be an ongoing attack on masculinity.

The actor recently appeared on The Pivot podcast and elaborated on his belief that male leaders are not only losing their authority but that young men will increasingly fail to learn from their example and exacerbate the problem exponentially.

“So, it is just that thing of in the past 20 years, we’ve been living through the death of the American male,” Mackie said of his view of the current state.

“They have literally killed masculinity in our homes, in our communities, for one reason or another. But I raise my boys to be young men. And however you feel about that, you feel about that.”

The renowned thespian continued, touching on the sense of responsibility and accountability he’s instilled within his eldest son.

“Every time I left for a job, I tell my 15-year-old, ‘You’re the man of the house. You make sure these doors are locked. Every night this alarm is on. You text me or you call me every night before you go to bed and when you wake up.’ I love that because we’re men,” Mackie said.

The Captain America star further expounded on his relationship with his sons, such as his belief in the importance of instilling positive values and manners as their father.

“I keep my boys humble,” Mackie said, adding that he doesn’t allow them to be obsessed with the latest fashions or to participate in social media antics.

“Like my boys have never had a pair of Jordans. My boys don’t do all that internet fly sh*t,” he added. “I could be the biggest star in the world. Do not let me catch you being stupid.”

He continued, adding that his eldest son is expected to set a positive example for his younger siblinsg. “My oldest gets it, my 15-year-old. He tell the other ones, he’s like, ‘Yo, don’t make dad mad.’ Once you get one that’s right, he’s going to straighten the other ones out.”

Mackie’s comments regarding his parenting style garnered a mixed reaction, with some taking issue with his opinions on the “death” of masculinity. Others disagreed with the idea of bestowing the responsibility of “man of the house” upon his still-young son.

Supporters commended the 46-year-old for his approach to child-raising and advocated for more fathers to follow suit while also agreeing with the actor that there was a war against masculinity.

Mackie shares four sons with his ex-wife, Sheletta Chapital. The former coupler finalized their divorce in 2018.

Watch Anthony Mackie’s interview on The Pivot below.