Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Voted the Green Party recently (and a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very 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 – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? 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 migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, 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 believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the betterment of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.
