Conversing Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a learner focusing on community health
Political history Voted the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He used an analogy about salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you come over and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – politics, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
