Conversing Over the Divide: An Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Supported Green last time (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup he did as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, 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 simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day whose views are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
