Dining Over the Gap: A Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, now a learner focusing on public health
Political history Supported Green last time (also a member of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup he created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very 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 split starters – seafood 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 each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at immigration like adding salt to a meal. 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 He used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.
