Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, currently a learner focusing on community health
Voting record Voted the Green Party last time (and a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life more or less 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 had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the press – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes 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; eras vary, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
