Dining Over the Gap: A Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a learner studying community health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (also a member of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of society – politics, the press – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.