Conversing Across the Gap: An Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: Peter, 34, London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student studying community health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, 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 drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I view immigration like adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your family.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, 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 you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of society – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people regularly whose views are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with others in future.
