Dining Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner studying community health
Voting record Supported Green recently (also a affiliate of the party); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
The big beef
The first participant I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people 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 should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
