Conversing Across the Divide: An Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, now a learner focusing on community health
Political history Supported Green recently (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch 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 starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, 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 Spain. We bonded over our love of London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
