Dining Across the Divide: An Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- civil servant, now a student studying community health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I 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 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 split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at migration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value 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 can take care of your own needs and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: 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. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
