Dining Across the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a learner studying public health
Voting record Voted Green last time (and a affiliate of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The topics we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. 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 Spain. We connected through our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people regularly with opinions are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
