Conversing Over the Divide: A Meeting Between Different Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, currently a learner focusing on public health
Political history Supported Green last time (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The issues we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that since the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people regularly whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
