Anthony Mackie, celebrated for his role as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently opened up about the challenges of parenting during a conversation with The Pivot. As the star of the upcoming film "Captain America: Brave New World," Mackie shared his personal experiences of raising two sons, who are 15 years old and older, shedding light on his parenting philosophy and concerns about the evolving concept of masculinity.
Mackie's eldest son, now 15, is often reminded of his role within the family. When Mackie is away for work, he entrusts his son with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of their home.
"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,” Mackie stated.
He emphasized the importance of instilling values of politeness and respect from a young age, a principle he has diligently followed while raising his children.
The actor's concerns extend beyond his household, touching upon broader societal changes. According to Mackie, there has been a significant shift in the perception of masculinity within American homes and communities over the past two decades.
"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,” he remarked.
Mackie's approach to parenting also involves limiting his sons' exposure to technology and internet activities. Unlike many teenagers today, his sons do not own a pair of Jordans or engage in online pursuits. Instead, he encourages them to maintain a direct line of communication with him each night.
The actor's commitment to nurturing strong values in his sons stems from a belief in self-reliance and protection. He explained that financial success or celebrity status holds little value if one cannot ensure their own safety or that of their family.
"Because we're men. If I'm not there to protect, he got to be there to protect. Because you can have all the money in the world, if a motherf