🔗 Share this article Dining Over the Gap: An Encounter Between Different Perspectives Meeting the Participants First Diner: P., 34, from London Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner studying public health Voting record Voted Green last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist” Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup he created as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow Profession Risk manager in the construction sector Political history Hailing from India, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right” Interesting fact He self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated” For starters The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for 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 he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital. The big beef Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty. Peter He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country. The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family. Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a degree of humanity. Common ground The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged. The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of society – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics. Dessert and debate The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not. Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now. Takeaways Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the improvement of the community. Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.