Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, now a learner focusing on community health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (also a affiliate of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup he did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about salt. It would be a funny place to be if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value 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 can take care of yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank 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.
