Dining Over the Divide: An Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner studying public health
Voting record Supported Green last time (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The topics we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but many 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 go to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of the community – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that since the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with others in future.
