<img src="https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&amp;c2=36750692&amp;cv=3.6.0&amp;cj=1"> 'Death of the American male': Anthony Mackie somehow tops 'Captain America' controversy with his divisive views on masculinity – We Got This Covered
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‘Death of the American male’: Anthony Mackie somehow tops ‘Captain America’ controversy with his divisive views on masculinity

The 'Captain America' star ruffled a few feather while discussing how he raises his sons.

Captain America: Brave New World star shared his thoughts on the topic during a recent podcast appearance on The Pivot.

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When discussing fatherhood and how he raises his children, the actor lamented what he called “the death of the American male” throughout the past two decades. “In the past 20 years, we’ve been living through the death of the American male,” he said. “They have literally killed masculinity in our homes [and] in our communities, for one reason or another.”

While he didn’t elaborate on how masculinity has been subject to a “death” — or exactly what that means — Mackie did say he is raising his sons in a way that defies this trend. “I raise my boys to be young men, and however you feel about that, you feel about that.” Mackie provided a clearer picture of what he perceives as raising “young men” later in the interview, saying he teaches his sons to always say thank you, open doors for women, and take care of their mom. 

“So, for me, that idea of American masculinity is very different,” Mackie added. According to Mackie, this masculine ideal he speaks of is understood by his eldest son, who “gets it” and instills it in his siblings. “My oldest gets it, my 15-year-old,” Mackie said. “Once you get one that’s right, he’s going to straighten the other ones out.” While complaining about the state of masculinity might raise a few eyebrows, it seems Mackie’s vision of what constitutes a ‘man’ isn’t exactly controversial, at least according to the qualities he wants for his kids. 

“I keep my boys humble,” he said. “My boys have never had a pair of Jordans… you could be the biggest star in the world but do not let me catch you being stupid.” Touching on such a hot-button topic was bound to provoke a few reactions, which is exactly what happened on social media. Observers were split between praising Mackie for the version of masculinity he wants for his sons, and criticizing him for claiming there are only certain ways they can be masculine in the first place. 

One er wrote that Mackie’s comments highlight how “there’s a clear difference between masculinity and toxic masculinity,” and commended the actor for being a “great role model” of the former. Other s praised Mackie for “respecting masculinity properly” rather than focussing on how it can become toxic or applauded him for, regardless of gender, “nam[ing] things that anyone should be doing, male or female.” 

However, not everyone was thrilled with Mackie’s take on masculinity, with one arguing that “saying ‘death of american male’ makes it sound like he is against feminism” when in reality he is just advocating for “being a respectful citizen.” Another agreed with that sentiment, writing that they “thought this was gonna be some pathetic alpha male bs but he’s literally just saying he wants his sons to be good people.” 

Regardless of where you land in your thoughts on the comments, this is not the first time Mackie has divided opinion in recent months. In January, clarified those statements and confirmed that he is a “proud American,” but not without incurring the wrath of particularly patriotic Marvel fans.


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Tom Disalvo
Tom Disalvo is an entertainment news and freelance writer from Sydney, Australia. His hobbies include thinking what to answer whenever someone asks what his hobbies are.