Dining Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a learner studying public health
Voting record Supported Green last time (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at immigration similar to adding 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.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
The second participant In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely 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 appreciate his worries. I converse with people every day with opinions are opposite to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.
