Conversing Over the Gap: An Meeting Among Different Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, now a student studying public health
Voting record Supported Green last time (and a member of the party); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Participant: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your family.
The second participant We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of the community – politics, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that since the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day whose views are opposite to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for 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 both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
