Conversing Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student studying public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup he did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of humanity.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that all of us 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 some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
