Dining Over the Divide: An Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup he created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The issues we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, 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 United States and Spain. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like 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 for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment 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 don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that since the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with others in the coming times.
