Conversing Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner studying community health
Voting record Voted Green recently (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like 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 really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people regularly with opinions are opposite to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
The second participant We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
