Conversing Over the Divide: A Meeting Among Different Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
First Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner studying public health
Political history Voted Green recently (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup he did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Originally from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write 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 the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the UK are economic migrants 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 ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your relatives.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a degree of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay compensation to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in the coming times.
