Conversing Across the Gap: An Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Voted the Green Party recently (also a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at migration similar to adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants arriving in the UK are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, 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 should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in future.
