Conversing Over the Gap: An Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, currently a learner focusing on public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The issues we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, 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.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I look at migration similar to adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like 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 NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of the community – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people regularly with opinions are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
