Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner studying community health
Political history Supported the Green Party recently (and a member of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has lived in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in future.