Dining Across the Gap: An Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner studying public health
Voting record Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “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 topics Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at migration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the benefit 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 relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of humanity.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can work towards the betterment of the community.
The second participant We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
