Conversing Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a learner studying community health
Voting record Supported Green last time (also a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor about salt. It would be odd to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many migrants arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. 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 don’t want you. I believe we have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – politics, the media – 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 the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; times are different, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK 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.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.
