Anthony Mackie offers understanding of parenting four boys, masculinity, and where success originates.
Given Anthony Mackie’s observations on the topic, raising Black males in America in 2025 sounds as complicated as it has ever been.
Recently on “The Pivot” podcast, the 46-year-old father of four boys and actor discussed his profession, parenting, and much more including how he has been teaching specific values to his sons.
“In the past 20 years, we have been living through the death of the American male…but I raised my boys to become young men,” the “Captin America: Brave New World” star added. He said, “For one reason or another, they have practically eliminated masculinity in our families, in our communities. Still, I nurture my lads to be young men. Still, your opinion of that will be unique.
Expanding further, he said he taught his sons, ages 15 through 8, to be respectful and modest, say “yes, sir,” “yes, ma’am,” open doors for women, and become providers.
Mackie also mentioned that his 15-year-old son fills in as the “man of the house” when he leaves town.
The actor observed, “If I’m not there to protect, he gotta be there to protect.”
The “Twisted Metal” star claimed in his house they “don’t do all the internet fly sh—.” He wanted his sons to be modest.
“I keep my boys modest; my boys have never had a pair of Jordans,” he remarked.
Online responses to his remarks on his ideals and ideas on the “death” of masculinity have been divided. Although some have found his position offputting, almost homophobic, others have been complimenting him for his “traditional” sensibility and for assuming real fatherhood duty. Others who defend Mackie have pointed out that his portrayal of a gay character broadens his perspective inside the same discourse.
Growing up in the 1980s and the 1990s, the actor notes, homophobia was pervasive in the culture. Mackie was also exposed to a lot of LGBT artists at the same time, though, as he was from New Orleans and watched local cultural icons like Big Freedi develop and attend art school. Assuming a gay role, he claimed it helped him to better understand many people in his life—including his brother, roommate, and more.
He also shared his opinions on a generally accepted view that success comes from diligence.
We are lying to our children, he clarified. “We teach our children that they will succeed if they do correctly and show good grades and attendance to the programs. “Your labor will pay off if you work hard enough.” Not true as well is that.
From what he observes, “success is given; it is not earned.”
He continued, saying that although someone can be the most “brilliant mother f—” it still requires someone to tap them for the gig.
RK NEWS