Dining Over the Divide: An Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, now a learner studying public health
Voting record Supported Green last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly 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.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view migration like sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go 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. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals regularly whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.