Dining Over the Gap: An Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- civil servant, now a student studying public health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think 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 connected through our affection for London.
The big beef
The first participant I look at migration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: 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’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with individuals regularly whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
The second participant We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
