Conversing Over the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former civil servant, now a student focusing on public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned 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 discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and Spain. We connected through our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I look at migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
Peter 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 following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the new policies, under which 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 have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation 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 media – benefit from creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, current society had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
The second participant In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.