Conversing Over the Gap: An Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Ex- government employee, now a learner focusing on community health
Political history Voted Green recently (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup he created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration similar to adding 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 had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on 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 yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you come over and work 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, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – politics, the press – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that because the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with individuals every day whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.