Dining Across the Divide: A Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints

Meeting the Individuals

One Diner: P., 34, London

Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student focusing on community health

Voting record Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”

Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup he did as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery

Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow

Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector

Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”

Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”

For starters

The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.

The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think 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 bonded over our love of London.

Key disagreements

Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Add 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 a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.

The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of 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 following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a certain level of humanity.

Sharing plate

The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.

Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of the community – government, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.

For afters

The first participant Peter believes that since the UK profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.

The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.

Final thoughts

Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people every day with opinions are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.

The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.