Conversing Across the Gap: A Meeting Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, now a learner studying public health
Political history Voted Green recently (also a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, 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. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning 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 think we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to do 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 had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with people regularly whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
