Conversing Over the Divide: An Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner focusing on community health
Voting record Supported the Green Party recently (and a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst 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. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for 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 my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a degree of compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that since the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; times are different, 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 huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people regularly whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.