'I'm not a feminist I'm a humanist': Meryl Streep talks sexism and discrimination in Hollywood

By Heather Waugh For Dailymail.com

Published: 01:36 EST, 30 September 2015 | Updated: 14:21 EST, 30 September 2015

She plays activist Emmeline Pankhurst in her upcoming flick Suffragette, about how women won the right to vote in early 20th century Britain.

And off-screen Meryl Streep is one of the most passionate advocates and respected voices in the fight for gender equality in Hollywood.

Speaking to Time Out this week, the 66-year-old acting veteran reveals her frustration at the challenges women still face in the entertainment industry and gave her thoughts on how sexism could be eradicated. 

Activist: Meryl Streep talked to Time Out this week about her thoughts on sexism in Hollywood and ways to change it

Activist: Meryl Streep talked to Time Out this week about her thoughts on sexism in Hollywood and ways to change it

As an actress, Meryl explained she is often asked patronising questions by the press and quoted her least favourite as '"You often play very strong women… Why do you choose…? Blah blah blah."'

'No man is ever asked: "You often play very strong men. Why?" It would be an absurd question.'

But when asked if she's a feminist, the Devil Wears Prada star is sure to distinguish herself as a humanist instead, explaining 'I am for nice easy balance.'

The three-time Oscar-winner has a refreshingly simple strategy for how to improve the situation of gender inequality among the top execs in Hollywood. 

Meryl explained 'Men should look at the world as if something is wrong when their voices predominate. People might look around the table at the decision-making level and feel something is wrong if half their participants are not women'

Meryl explained 'Men should look at the world as if something is wrong when their voices predominate. People might look around the table at the decision-making level and feel something is wrong if half their participants are not women'

'Men should look at the world as if something is wrong when their voices predominate. They should feel it. 

'People at agencies and studios, including the parent boards, might look around the table at the decision-making level and feel something is wrong if half their participants are not women. Because our tastes are different, what we value is different. Not better, different.'

Meryl stars in Suffragette alongside Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter. 

Hollywood legend: The 66-year-old plays activist Emmeline Pankhurst in upcoming flick Suffragette - about how women won the right to vote in early 20th century Britain (She is pictured with Brie Larson at an event earlier this month)

Hollywood legend: The 66-year-old plays activist Emmeline Pankhurst in upcoming flick Suffragette - about how women won the right to vote in early 20th century Britain (She is pictured with Brie Larson at an event earlier this month)

Penned by Abi Morgan, the movie is based on true events and explores Britain’s daunting journey toward granting women equal rights in the early 20th century. 

When asked what women can learn from the political activists, Meryl said 'Don't give up or give in in the face of patronising ridicule, amused disdain or being ignored.'  

'Never surrender, never give up the fight,' Streep tells Mulligan in the inspiring first trailer of the film slated for release on October 23.  

Class act: The actress is seen in August during a promotional appearance for her movie Ricki and the Flash

Class act: The actress is seen in August during a promotional appearance for her movie Ricki and the Flash

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