Conversing Over the Divide: An Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, London
Occupation Former government employee, now a student focusing on community health
Voting record Voted Green recently (and a member of the party); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup he did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but a lot of people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of society – politics, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great 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 examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.