Conversing Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a learner focusing on community health
Political history Voted the Green Party recently (also a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Describes himself as âleft, and internationalist rather than patrioticâ
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup he created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as âsomewhat right of centreâ
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. âI have no use for it, I was just fascinatedâ
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured â we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters â fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? Weâre both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for the capital.
The big beef
The first participant I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused 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 obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, itâs incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we donât want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community â politics, the press â benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people werenât aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonisation isnât just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peterâs concerns. I converse with individuals regularly whose views are opposite to mine. Itâs about bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in future.
