Benevolent prejudice is when prejudice functions “in a caring, paternalistic mode (rather than a hostile, antagonistic one)” that both justifies and reinforces inequality. Women are “protected because they are weak” rather than honoured because they deserve dignity. Immigrants are offered help “because they are ignorant” rather than because the demands of learning a new language and culture are inherently overwhelming. People from impacted communities are engaged in processes “because they’ll learn how we do things through proximity” rather than because their insights are invaluable for us to learn. People with lived experience are engaged in “survivor leadership” because “it is good for their self-worth” rather than being engaged in movement leadership because they have and continue to develop vast insights that make our work better. (-The Meaningful Engagement Handbook)

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