Dining Across the Divide: A Meeting Between Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, now a learner focusing on public health
Political history Supported Green last time (also a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup he did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration like adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your family.
Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – politics, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people regularly whose views are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
