Dining Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Meeting the Participants
One Participant: P., 34, London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, now a student studying community health
Voting record Voted the Green Party last time (also a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at 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 meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
