Conversing Over the Gap: An Encounter Among Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
One Participant: P., 34, London
Profession Former civil servant, now a student focusing on public health
Political history Voted Green last time (and a member of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup he created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues we talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. 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 the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration similar to 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 either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many people arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. Nobody forces you to go to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: 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 questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the press – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with others in the coming times.
