Conversing Over the Divide: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a learner focusing on community health
Voting record Voted Green recently (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from India, he has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I view immigration similar to 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 He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to exist if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances 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 ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you come over and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people regularly whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with others in future.
