Conversing Over the Gap: An Meeting Between Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
First Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- government employee, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a member of the party); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup he created as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very 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 split appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, 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’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I look at migration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of the community – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter believes that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are opposite to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
