Conversing Across the Divide: An Meeting Between Different Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
First Participant: P., 34, from London
Profession Former government employee, currently a learner focusing on community health
Political history Supported the Green Party last time (and a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a tea cup he created as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “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, East Asia, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of society – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I converse with individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of society.
The second participant 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 both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
