- Anthony Mackie believes masculinity is changing negatively and focuses on raising his sons with humility, traditional manners, and responsibility. He stresses keeping them grounded and prioritizing family values over materialism.
- Nearly half of young men, according to a 2024 NRG study, feel uncertain about masculinity today, with many seeking role models in media and public figures.
- Hollywood could play a role in redefining modern masculinity, offering evolving narratives as gender roles shift.
Full Story
Anthony Mackie believes masculinity is changing—and not for the better. The “Captain America: Brave New World” star says he is raising his sons with his own perspective on masculinity and values.
During a recent episode of “The Pivot” podcast, Mackie spoke about fatherhood and the lessons he wants to instill in his children. His comments come as a 2024 National Research Group (NRG) study found that 43% of young men between 13 and 30 feel uncertain about what it means to be a man today.
Point phone camera here
Mackie’s approach to fatherhood
Mackie keeps his sons grounded. He wants them to focus on humility rather than material things.
“I keep my boys humble,” Mackie said. “Like, my boys have never had a pair of Jordans… you know, my boys don’t do all that internet fly s***.”
He says he also teaches them traditional manners, including saying “sir” and “ma’am” and opening doors for women. Above all, he says he instills responsibility, making sure they take care of their mother.
Mackie and his ex-wife, Sheletta Chapital, share four sons. The two met in grade school and married in 2014 before finalizing their divorce in 2018.
A larger conversation about masculinity
“They have literally killed masculinity in our homes and our communities for one reason or another,” he said. “But I raise my boys to be young men. And however you feel about that, you feel about that.”
His comments reflect a larger discussion happening among young men. The NRG study found that nearly half of men surveyed seek masculine role models in fictional characters, celebrities, and public figures.
A report from The Wrap suggests that Hollywood has the opportunity to redefine modern masculinity. As gender roles evolve, the industry can shape new narratives about what it means to be a man today.
[KENNEDY FELTON]
At a time when nearly half of young men say they’re unsure what it means to be a man in today’s society, actor Anthony Mackie is focused on raising his sons with his own perspective on values and masculinity.
During a recent episode of “The Pivot” podcast, the “Captain America: Brave New World” star opened up about his parenting style when asked how he balances being a father with Hollywood and the lessons he hopes to pass down to his kids.
Mackie emphasizes traditional manners—teaching his sons from a young age to say “sir” and “ma’am” and to open doors for women. He also instills responsibility, ensuring they take care of their mother. Mackie keeps his boys humble, saying, “My boys have never had a pair of Jordans… they don’t do all that internet fly stuff.”
The actor first met Sheletta Chapital in grade school. The two married in 2014 before divorcing in 2018, but they share four sons.
Mackie expressed concern about the current state of masculinity, saying, “They have literally killed masculinity in our homes and communities for one reason or another. But I raise my boys to be young men.”
His perspective aligns with a 2024 report from entertainment industry tracker National Research Group, which found that 43% of young men aged 13 to 30 feel uncertain about what it means to be a man in today’s society. This uncertainty has led 47% of respondents to seek masculine role models in fictional characters, public figures, and celebrities.
A deeper dive suggests that Hollywood has the opportunity to redefine modern masculinity, shaping new narratives about identity as gender roles continue to evolve.
Straight to your inbox.
By entering your email, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
