Perpetuating stereotypes is never a good thing — but especially in the context of an interview with one of the world’s most prominent publications. The Guardian asked Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura if the renowned animation studio would ever employ a female director, and his answer left much to be desired.

“It depends on what kind of a film it would be,” Nishimura responded. “Unlike live action, with animation we have to simplify the real world. Women tend to be more realistic and manage day-to-day lives very well. Men on the other hand tend to be more idealistic — and fantasy films need that idealistic approach. I don’t think it’s a coincidence men are picked.”

We want to give credit where credit is due — Studio Ghibli has a history of releasing great female-centric content, such as “Only Yesterday,” “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,” and “When Marnie Was There.” Still, this strong track record of featuring female protagonists doesn’t excuse Nishimura’s ignorant remarks.

Making these kinds of generalizations about women (and men!), and specifically women directors, has consequences. To use Nishimura’s own words, “I don’t think it’s a coincidence men are picked.” The reason men are picked is because so many other powerful figures share this superficial mentality, leading to fewer gigs for women directors — not to mention the fact that female filmmakers are pigeonholed into specific genres. Traits associated with directors are traits conventionally associated with men: as research from the Sundance Institute explains, there is “the tendency to ‘think director, think male,’ or to describe the job of a director or profitable film content in masculine terms.”

If Nishimura is indeed so “idealistic,” how about he strives for gender equality, and gives female directors a shot to prove what they are capable of?