Conversing Across the Divide: A Encounter Between Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
First Participant: P., 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a student studying community health
Political history Supported the Green Party recently (and a member of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 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 supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of money. 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, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone 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 drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
