Conversing Across the Divide: A Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former government employee, currently a student focusing on public health
Voting record Voted Green last time (and a affiliate of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup he did as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy 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, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a degree of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
