Conversing Across the Divide: A Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: P., 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a student studying community health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup he did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Use 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 a funny place to be if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of society – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred 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 decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are opposite to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
