Dining Across the Gap: An Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Voted Green recently (and a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view migration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. 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 a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
