Anthony Mackie: We are living through 'the death of the American man
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.
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.