Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but many migrants arriving in the United Kingdom 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 opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, 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 – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in future.
