Dining Over the Gap: A Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner studying community health
Political history Voted Green recently (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that since the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
