Anthony Mackie divides fans as he claims we’re ‘living through the death of the American male’

When he travels for work, Mackie revealed that he entrusts his eldest son with responsibility over their home.

“If I’m not there to protect, he gotta be there to protect,” he explained. “Every time I left for a job, I tell my 15-year-old, ‘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 when you wake up.’ I love that because we’re men.”

Keeping His Kids Humble

Despite his Hollywood success, Mackie is adamant about keeping his children grounded. He makes sure they aren’t caught up in social media trends or materialism.

“I keep my boys humble,” he said. “My boys have never had a pair of Jordans. My boys don’t do all that internet fly s**t.”

Anthony Mackie has opened up about keeping his children “humble”. Credit: Adela Loconte/WireImage/Getty Images

He also believes in setting an example for his sons, ensuring that his eldest leads by example. “My oldest gets it, my 15-year-old. He tell the other ones, he’s like, ‘Yo, don’t make dad mad.’ Once you get one that’s right, he’s going to straighten the other ones out.”

A Changing Perspective on Masculinity

Mackie also expressed that his perspective has evolved over the years.

He recalled growing up in the 80s and 90s, when homophobia was widespread, and how his exposure to queer artists in New Orleans and at art school broadened his understanding.

“I used my art to better myself,” he shared, noting that playing a gay character helped him better understand the experiences of people close to him, including his brother and roommate.