🔗 Share this article Dining Across the Divide: An Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives Meeting the Participants One Diner: P., 34, London Profession Former civil servant, currently a student focusing on public health Voting record Voted Green last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic” Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre” Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing” For starters Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues Peter and I 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 he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos. Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London. The big beef Akshat I view immigration like adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty. The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation. The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces 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. Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of compassion. Sharing plate Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged. The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics. For afters The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not. The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities. Takeaways The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of the community. Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.