Conversing Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health
Political history Voted the Green Party last time (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from India, he has lived in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, 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 engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 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 manage that? No.
Peter Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism played in 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.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
