Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Participant: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, now a student focusing on community health
Political history Voted the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The issues we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out 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 reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat 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 the community – politics, the press – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is 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 appreciate his worries. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with others in future.
