Dining Across the Divide: An Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Participants
One Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a learner focusing on public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a member of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he created as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the UK 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 opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
