Dining Over the Divide: A Encounter Among Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former government employee, currently a student focusing on public health
Political history Supported the Green Party recently (also a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned 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, South Korea, the United States. The topics we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels 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 became confused with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and work and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that all of us can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
