Dining Across the Divide: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, currently a student studying public health
Voting record Voted Green last time (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. 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, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. 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 the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy about salt. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, 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 work and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the UK profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
