Dining Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives

Introducing the Participants

First Diner: Peter, 34, from London

Profession Former government employee, currently a student focusing on community health

Voting record Supported the Green Party recently (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”

Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter created as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery

Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow

Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry

Political history Originally from India, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”

Amuse bouche He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”

For starters

The first participant Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.

The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.

The big beef

The first participant I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.

Peter He used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.

Akshat There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.

The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby 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 humanity.

Sharing plate

Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.

Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.

Dessert and debate

Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.

Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great 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 our current responsibilities.

Takeaways

Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people regularly whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of the community.

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 both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.