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

Anthony Mackie’s comments sparked a mixed reaction from fans. Credit: Chris Haston/WBTV via Getty Images

“Success Is Given, Not Earned”

During the podcast, Mackie also challenged the conventional wisdom that hard work alone guarantees success.

“We are lying to our kids,” he said. “We tell our kids if they do right and they make the good grades and they go to the programs, they will become successful. ‘If you work hard enough, your work will [pay off].’ And that’s not true.”

Instead, he argued, “Success is given; it is not earned.” He explained that talent and effort are not always enough—it often takes the right person to give someone an opportunity. “You can be the most brilliant mother f—, but it still takes someone to tap you for the gig.”

Mackie’s Comments Spark Debate

Mackie’s comments about masculinity and his parenting philosophy sparked mixed reactions online.

Some praised him for taking an active role in his children’s lives and instilling discipline, while others criticized his views, interpreting them as outdated or overly rigid — such as placing the responsibility of “man of the house” on his teenage son.

One supporter wrote: “There’s a clear difference between masculinity and toxic masculinity.

“Anthony Mackie’s focus on raising his sons to be respectful, responsible, and protective—like he mentioned with keeping them humble and making his 15-year-old the ‘man of the house’—makes him a great role model. We need more men like this.”

However, another argued: “A 15 year old is not the “‘man” of the house. That is so ridiculous to put adult pressures on a child. Yeah give them [responsibility] but don’t subject a kid to the traumas of adulthood. Children are children and adults are adults for a reason.”