Conversing Over the Divide: An Meeting Between Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Participants
First Participant: Peter, 34, London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health
Political history Voted the Green Party recently (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup Peter did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives largely evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. 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 have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration like adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. 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 certain elements of society – government, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat 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 present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the betterment of society.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
