Dining Over the Divide: An Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Voted the Green Party recently (also a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup he created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact He taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, 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. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that because the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, current society were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of the community.
The second participant We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
