Dining Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
First Participant: P., 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup Peter created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We connected through our affection for London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor about salt. It would be a funny place to be if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself 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 get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby 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 certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of the community – politics, the press – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day with opinions are opposite to my own. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter 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 any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in future.
