Conversing Across the Gap: An Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Ex- civil servant, now a student focusing on public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from India, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.
The big beef
The first participant I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants arriving in the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the UK profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism 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.
Final thoughts
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
