Conversing Over the Divide: An Meeting Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner focusing on community health
Voting record Supported Green last time (and a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life 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 drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that since the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, 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 examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
