Dining Across the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, now a student focusing on community health
Voting record Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe 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 United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter 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 following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to do 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 had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can work towards the betterment of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with others in the coming times.