Dining Over the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Meeting the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Former government employee, now a learner studying public health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view migration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the press – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day with opinions are opposite to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.