"These people are so lost": Fans defend Anthony Mackie against online backlash over "Death of American Male" comment

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Anthony Mackie (Image via Getty)

Anthony Mackie's Captain America: Brave New World and the actor is all over the news. However, this time it is not about his movie but a certain controversy which is why he is in the headlines. The 46-year-old recently talked about his parenting techniques in an interview and claimed that the past two decades have been the "death of American male."

As his comment sparked some backlash on social media, a part of the internet is also defending his statement and his parenting skills. One also mentioned that the trolls are the people who are "so lost."

During an interview with The Pivot, Mackie talked about how he is keeping his four kids "humble" in their upbringing. He added that his children "never had a pair of Jordans." Moreover, they are not on the internet all the time.

"I could be the biggest star in the world. Do not let me catch you being stupid," Anthony Mackie added.

For the unversed, the Captain America: Civil War star shares his four sons with his ex-wife Sheletta Chapital.

Further into the chat, Mackie mentioned how his eldest son understands his methods and asks his younger brothers to not make their dad mad. He emphasized the need to build a character in one's children and said:

"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."

Anthony Mackie also confirmed that his sons are always going to be "respectful" to everyone. He also argued that his sons will always "open a door for a lady" and ensure that their mother is fine. Anytime he leaves for a job, he tells his eldest one to be the "man of the house." He also reminds his son of some daily chores such as locking the door to keep the family safe. Another task that his son has to do is to call him before going to bed, and after waking up.

As Mackie talked about his idea of raising his sons as "young men," many criticized him and claimed he is a right-wing extremist.


Netizens defend Anthony Mackie's parenting style

Many netizens on X (formerly Twitter) have come forward in support of Mackie and arguing that his parenting methods are right. A user named @cartierfamilyZ wrote:

"People are mad at actor Anthony Mackie for saying he’s raising his sons to be respectful men. Apparently he is a right wing extremist for this take! These people are so lost."

Another one penned:

"Good for him. You’ve got to take a stand. He sounds like a great dad."

One also noted:

"Its silly how Gen Z Twitter dog piled Anthony Mackie for saying he raises his sons to be accountable, responsible, well mannered, and to have moral integrity. And because he defined this as masculinity, he’s toxic. Y'all complain about men 24/7 yet against corrective rearing of men."

Anthony Mackie also mentioned in the interview that his priority is to keep his family safe. The money and name that he has earned over the years would mean nothing to him in front of his family's safety. Therefore, the idea of American masculinity is different for him.

Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala
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