Conversing Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former government employee, currently a learner focusing on public health
Political history Supported Green last time (also a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the UK for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I 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 Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our love of London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
Akshat There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your family.
Peter We became confused with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the new policies, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
The first participant Peter believes that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay India, 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 believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I talk to people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
