The numbers don't lie: Sexism in Hollywood is a real, quantifiable problem (opens in new tab) that a growing number of kickass women—including Olivia Wilde (opens in new tab), Meryl Streep (opens in new tab), and Patricia Arquette (opens in new tab)—are working hard to combat. Rose McGowan is the latest to join their ranks, delivering an impassioned, stirring speech (opens in new tab) that outlines seven ways women in the film industry (and outside of it) can beat gender inequality.
Speaking to the Sisterhood of Travelling Producers, an invite-only group of young female producers and executives, McGowan emphasized not letting misogyny go un-reprimanded and recognizing that women make up 50 percent of the movie-going audience. The two most universally relevant points:
"If someone yells at you or puts you down, stop them in their tracks. Retrain them. If someone says your name wrong, you correct them, so why don't we do it when mistreated? Correct bad behavior as it happens. If Scott Rudin throws a phone at your head, throw one back and throw it harder. No one gets to abuse you."
"It is imperative that we start seeing women on film in other roles than The Wife or The Sexpot. How boring. Let's reflect on film what society ACTUALLY looks like: 50% female. Women are in all kinds of jobs and have complex lives, so put that on the screen. I'm curious about the plumber who says two words on film if she's a woman. What's her story? How'd she get there? People love relating to other people onscreen. So why aren't we women allowed to relate to our own lives? Where is our representation? Let's take action to change these tropes. It is time."
Read all seven of McGowan's points here (opens in new tab)—it's worth it.
-
Periods Are Under Attack in AmericaNew legislation in the U.S. is designed to persecute women for managing their reproductive health. But the "Don't Say Period" bill just proposed in Florida is the most dangerous yet.
-
Selena Gomez Just Asked Her Fans to Stop Sending Hailey Bieber "Hateful" Messages: "This Isn't What I Stand For"
Loud and clear.
-
Brooklyn Beckham Opened Up About His "Throuple" With Wife Nicola Peltz and Selena Gomez
OMG.
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
