Conversing Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Former government employee, now a student focusing on public health
Political history Voted the Green Party last time (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. 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. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that all of us can work towards the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.
