Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner studying public health
Voting record Voted Green last time (and a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from India, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but many migrants arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on 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 relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you come over and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, 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 desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – politics, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with others in future.
