Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner studying public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I look at immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby 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 compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order 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 drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in future.
