Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a student studying community health
Voting record Voted Green recently (also a member of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning 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 humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
