Dining Over the Gap: A Meeting Among Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, now a student studying public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
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 Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, 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 a funny place to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals regularly whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
