Conversing Over the Gap: A Meeting Among Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Participants
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student studying public health
Voting record Voted the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche He taught himself to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The topics Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration like adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of society – politics, the press – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum 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 UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
