Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a student studying public health
Political history Voted Green last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. 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 love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
