Conversing Across the Divide: A Meeting Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a student studying public health
Voting record Supported Green last time (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
Peter We became confused with certain details. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are really high, you pay 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’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that because the United Kingdom benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people regularly whose views are opposite to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with others in future.
