Conversing Over the Gap: An Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: P., 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a student studying public health
Voting record Voted the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter created as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – fishy spring 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’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because 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 the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there 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 dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with other people in future.