Marvel Star Anthony Mackie Defends Masculinity, Warns of ‘Death of the American Male’
Marvel actor Anthony Mackie has drawn attention to recent comments on masculinity, arguing that “American masculinity” is necessary for young boys and that the US is experiencing the “death of the American male.”
The Captain America: Brave New World star discussed raising his sons on the “Pivot” podcast, explaining that he teaches them traditional values, such as holding doors open for women and protecting their mother, a report by the Daily Wire highlighted.
“So, it is just that thing of in the past 20 years, we’ve been living through the death of the American male. 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,” Mackie said.
He explained that he expects his 15-year-old son to take responsibility while he is away, telling him, “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 you wake up. Because we’re men.”
“So, for me, it’s always that idea of American masculinity is very different. It’s just that American masculinity is very important for boys because now our little boys are afraid to fail so they don’t try,” he added.
Mackie, whose Marvel character Sam Wilson recently took on the role of Captain America, recently faced backlash after stating that he did not believe the superhero represented “the term America” but instead stood for traits like “honor, dignity, and integrity.” He later clarified his remarks, calling himself a proud American.
“Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like [Captain America] is the honor of a lifetime,” Mackie posted on social media.
