Conversing Across the Divide: A Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, now a student focusing on community health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (also a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
The first participant I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals 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. No one compels you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
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 obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in future.
