Dining Over the Gap: A Meeting Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student focusing on community health
Voting record Voted the Green Party recently (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup he created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was 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 view immigration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby 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 have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the press – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
Peter 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 role that imperial rule contributed to 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 my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
