Dining Over the Gap: An Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, now a student studying public health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view migration similar to adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor about salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of the community – politics, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
