Bringing Up His Sons Using Conventional Principles
Mackie, who has children with his ex-wife Sheletta Chapital, talked about his dedication to teaching his lads, who are between the ages of eight and fifteen, respect and responsibility.

He made it clear that, at a time when he feels masculinity is being challenged, he is bringing them up to be “young men.”

“We’ve been living through the death of the American male for the last 20 years,” Mackie said. For one reason or another, they have essentially destroyed masculinity in our communities and homes. I bring up my guys to be young men, though.

“And however you feel about it, you feel about that.”

For Mackie, that means training his sons to be humble, courteous, and accountable. He anticipates that they will say “yes, sir” and “yes, ma’am,” provide opportunities for women, and be ready to assume leadership positions in the home.

Mackie disclosed that he gives his oldest son authority over their house while he is out on business.

He clarified, saying, “He must be there to protect if I am not.” “I tell my 15-year-old, ‘You’re the man of the house,’ every time I go for work. These doors are locked, you make sure. This alarm is set to go off every night. Every night before bed and every morning, you give me a call or send me a text. We’re males, therefore I adore that.

Maintaining His Children’s Humility
Mackie is determined to keep his kids grounded despite his success in Hollywood. He ensures they are not enmeshed in materialism or social media fads.

He remarked, “I keep my boys humble.” “Never have my boys owned a pair of Jordans.” My guys don’t engage in any of that fly s**t on the internet.

He also thinks that his oldest son should lead by example, thus he sets an example for his sons. “My 15-year-old, who is my oldest, gets it. He says to the others, “Hey, don’t annoy your dad.” He will correct the others after you get one that is correct.

A Shifting View of Masculinity
Additionally, Mackie stated that his viewpoint has changed over time.

He talked about how his exposure to LGBT artists in New Orleans and at art school expanded his perspective throughout his upbringing in the 1980s and 1990s, when homophobia was pervasive.

He said, “I used my art to better myself,” adding that he was able to better comprehend the feelings of those close to him, such as his brother and roommate, by portraying a gay character.

“Success Is Given, Not Earned”
In the podcast, Mackie also questioned the widely held belief that success is assured by hard work alone.

He declared, “We are lying to our children.” We tell our children that they will succeed if they work hard, get high grades, and participate in programs. “Your efforts will [pay off] if you put in enough effort.” Furthermore, that is untrue.

“Success is given; it is not earned,” he contended. He clarified that sometimes the proper person is needed to give someone a chance; skill and hard work are not enough. “It takes someone to tap you for the job, even if you are the most intelligent mother f—.”

Discussion Is Sparked by Mackie’s Remarks
Online responses to Mackie’s remarks regarding parenting and masculinity were not quite unanimous.

While some questioned his opinions, seeing them as out of date or unduly strict—for example, assigning his teenage son the role of “man of the house”—others applauded him for being involved in his children’s life and teaching discipline.

“There’s a clear difference between masculinity and toxic masculinity,” one supporter said.

“Anthony Mackie is a terrific role model because he focuses on teaching his sons to be courteous, responsible, and protective. He stated keeping his 15-year-old the “man of the house” and keeping them humble. More men like these are needed.

Another countered that a 15-year-old is not the “man” of the house. Putting a child under adult pressure is absurd. Yes, assign them [responsibility], but spare a child from the difficulties of maturity. There’s a reason why kids are kids and adults are grownups.

Another fan commented: “Bro is absolutely right.” All men ought to concur with his statement. All men.

One critic, meanwhile, tweeted: “This is ridiculous. To begin with, it is reckless to leave your 15-year-old as the housekeeper. Second, he implies that women ought to understand their role in the home, which is absurd since you can tell how a woman will feel about something if you’ve met her.

Despite the criticism, Mackie doesn’t waver in his convictions. No matter how society changes, he believes that the most important thing is to raise young men who are humble, diligent, and courteous.