Conversing Over the Divide: A Meeting Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Participant: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “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, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, 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 connected through our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals regularly whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
