Dining Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
First Participant: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner focusing on community health
Political history Supported the Green Party recently (also a affiliate of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup he created as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your family.
Peter We became confused with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are opposite to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
