Conversing Across the Gap: An Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former government employee, currently a learner studying community health
Voting record Voted Green recently (and a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from India, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, 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 have to have a degree of compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of society – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.