Conversing Over the Divide: A Meeting Between Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, from London
Occupation Former civil servant, currently a student focusing on community health
Political history Voted Green recently (also a member of the party); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
