Conversing Over the Divide: An Meeting Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, currently a student focusing on public health
Political history Voted the Green Party recently (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think 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 US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I view immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor 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, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs 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 are employed and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are opposite to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
