Conversing Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a learner focusing on community health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup Peter created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a degree of humanity.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – politics, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum 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. For example, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
