Dining Across the Gap: An Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former government employee, now a learner studying community health
Voting record Voted Green recently (and a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “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, South Korea, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say 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 Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people regularly whose views are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
