Conversing Over the Divide: A Encounter Among Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, now a learner studying public health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a member of the party); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration like adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
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, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby 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 have to have a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. 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 could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
