Dining Across the Gap: An Encounter Among Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: P., 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a student focusing on public health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think 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 Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with certain details. In my view it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – politics, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, current society were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? No.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in future.
