ACTOR MICHAEL JAI WHITE WARNS AMERICA IS 'NOT MAKING MEN ANYMORE'. (PHOTO).

 Actor Michael Jai White warns America is 'not making men anymore'

Actor and martial artist Michael Jai White told Joe Rogan on his podcast that he believes American boys are becoming “too soft” and that masculinity has been diminished in recent decades. 

He contrasted the U.S. with countries like Australia and New Zealand, where he said “rites of passage” still exist for young men. White argued that foreign actors are often cast to play American alpha males because American masculinity has been “demonized,” a point Rogan agreed with.

White recalled seeing the shift firsthand when he worked as a schoolteacher, pointing to participation trophies and the removal of competition as examples of how children were shielded from failure. He said these left kids unable to cope with losing, which he linked to broader social problems. 

Rogan agreed, calling losing “the best medicine.” White emphasized that competition and struggle are essential for growth, and that protecting self-esteem at all costs undermines resilience.

Reflecting on his own martial arts journey, White explained how his natural athleticism sometimes held him back because it allowed him to avoid pushing past his limits. He described how track and field taught him efficiency of motion, which he applied to fighting, but admitted that true martial artists are those who push beyond fatigue and discomfort. 

White said he now focuses on training to his own ability rather than comparing himself to others, stressing that relying on natural gifts can become a crutch that limits personal growth.