Conversing Over the Divide: A Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Participant: P., 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, now a student focusing on community health
Voting record Voted Green recently (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup he did as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “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 Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less 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 had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
The first participant I view migration like sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily 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 relatives.
Peter 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 obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century 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 manage that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
