Dining Across the Divide: A Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, currently a student focusing on public health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a member of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup he created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We connected through our affection for London.
The big beef
The first participant I view immigration 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.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work 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 quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of the community – politics, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that because the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are opposite to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
The second participant 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 dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
