Dining Over the Gap: An Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, now a student focusing on community health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup he did as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment 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 anybody. And regarding the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. 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, when I first moved 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 decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in future.
