Conversing Over the Divide: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Participants
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Ex- government employee, now a learner focusing on community health
Political history Voted Green recently (also a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The topics we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe 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 love of London.
The big beef
The first participant I view migration similar to 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 either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy about salt. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of society – politics, the press – benefit from stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonisation is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
The first participant It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are opposite to my own. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
