Dining Across the Divide: An Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Meeting the Participants
First Participant: P., 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner focusing on public health
Political history Voted the Green Party recently (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The topics we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration like adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He used an analogy about salt. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a degree of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, current society 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 funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with others in future.
