Conversing Across the Divide: A Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former government employee, now a student focusing on community health
Political history Voted the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist rather than patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup he created as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve across the world. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
The first participant I view immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. 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 a funny place to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on 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 your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of society – government, the media – benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able 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 had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people regularly with opinions are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that all of us can work towards the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince 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.
