Conversing Across the Divide: A Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, now a student studying public health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life more or less follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We connected through our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He used an analogy about salt. It would be odd to be if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which 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 have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 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 manage that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
The second participant We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
