Dining Over the Gap: A Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Voted the Green Party last time (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting 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 appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate 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 don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
