Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a learner focusing on community health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a member of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, 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 connected through our love of London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about salt. It would be odd to be if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people arriving in the UK are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you come over and work and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities 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 discovered common ground in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of events 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 Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, 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 people regularly with opinions are contrary to my own. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.