Dining Across the Divide: An Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a student studying public health
Voting record Voted the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup he created as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can work towards 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 anything, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
