Dining Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former government employee, currently a student studying public health
Political history Voted Green last time (and a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely 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 had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our affection for the capital.
The big beef
The first participant I look at immigration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy about salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization 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 may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the improvement of society.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
