Dining Across the Gap: A Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a learner studying community health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was 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 migration similar to 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 insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden 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 some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, 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.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in future.
