Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, now a learner studying public health
Political history Supported the Green Party recently (and a member of the party); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, he has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
