Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, now a student focusing on community health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (and a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, 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 think we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: 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 significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
