Conversing Across the Divide: An Meeting Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student studying community health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from India, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less follows the same curve across the world. 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.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? 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 love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not 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 relatives.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – government, the press – benefit from stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
