Conversing Across the Gap: An Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Participant: P., 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner studying community health
Voting record Voted the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup he did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The topics Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He used an analogy about salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on 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 some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: 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. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with others in future.
