Conversing Over the Divide: A Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a student focusing on public health
Political history Supported Green last time (also a affiliate of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup he created as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history 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 India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.
Peter In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day with opinions are opposite to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of society.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
