Dining Over the Gap: A Meeting Between Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Participant: P., 34, from London
Occupation Former civil servant, now a student focusing on public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup he did as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last 20 years, 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 universal, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals 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. Nobody forces you to go to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and work and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
