Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, now a learner focusing on community health
Voting record Supported Green recently (also a member of the party); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup he created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, 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. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He used an analogy about salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the government 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 burden the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
