Conversing Over the Divide: A Meeting Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Former government employee, currently a student studying public health
Political history Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup he created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for the capital.
The big beef
The first participant I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with others in future.
