Dining Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former civil servant, now a learner studying community health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup he did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “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 the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The issues we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances 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 opportunity, 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 is the case that you come over 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, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – government, the press – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people regularly with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
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 anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.