Conversing Over the Divide: A Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner focusing on community health
Political history Voted the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from India, he has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to read and write Urdu. “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 United States. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our love of London.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain 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 there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day whose views are opposite to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards 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 anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.