Conversing Over the Divide: A Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, now a student focusing on public health
Voting record Voted the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup he created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives 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.
The second participant We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces 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 certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning 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 must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that all of us can work towards the improvement of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
