Dining Across the Divide: An Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a member of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from India, he has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives largely evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view migration like adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about salt. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out 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 have to have a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of the community – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society 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 manage that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with people regularly with opinions are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
