Conversing Across the Gap: A Meeting Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: Peter, 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a student studying public health
Political history Voted the Green Party recently (also a member of the political group); previously Labour. Describes himself as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, he has resided in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor about salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with certain details. In my view it is the case that you come over and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that all of us can work towards the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
