Dining Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup he created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: 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. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues we 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 he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at migration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay 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 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
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, in order that all of us can work towards the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
