Conversing Over the Gap: An Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, now a learner studying community health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (and a member of the party); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last 20 years, 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 follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We connected through our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish 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, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value 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 are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that 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 may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
