Conversing Across the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, now a student focusing on community health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup he created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring 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 my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost 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 obtain permanent citizenship. 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 restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – benefit from stoking division. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that since the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: 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 significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
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. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
