Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former government employee, now a learner studying community health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (also a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
The first participant I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, 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 same page, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement 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 anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.