Conversing Across the Divide: A Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a student studying public health
Political history Voted Green recently (also a affiliate of the party); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he created as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the UK for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The topics Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration similar to sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs 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 indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Common ground
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
The second participant In the past, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the UK, people had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank 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 others in the coming times.
