Dining Over the Gap: An Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, now a learner focusing on public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last 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 global, because human life more or less follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Add 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 state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many migrants arriving in the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, 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 certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people regularly with opinions are opposite to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the improvement of society.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank 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.