Conversing Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, now a learner studying public health
Voting record Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he created as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, 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 United States and Spain. We connected through our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on 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 family.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved 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 isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to people every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with others in the coming times.
