🔗 Share this article Dining Across the Divide: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives Introducing the Individuals One Diner: Peter, 34, London Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner studying public health Political history Voted the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic” Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery Second Participant: A., 43, from Harrow Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre” Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated” Initial impressions Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos. The second participant We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital. The big beef The first participant I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned. The second participant He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation. The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your relatives. Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, 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 must maintain a degree of compassion. Common ground Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted. Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics. For afters The first participant Peter believes that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not. The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities. Final thoughts Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community. The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with others in the coming times.