Conversing Across the Divide: An Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, currently a learner studying community health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. 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 bonded over our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration like sprinkling 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 Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many migrants arriving in the UK are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation 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 creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.
