Dining Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, now a learner studying public health
Political history Supported the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has resided in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The issues Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the UK 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 new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
Peter We became confused with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning 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 must maintain a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant 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 some parts of society – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that because the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that all of us can work towards the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in future.
