Conversing Across the Gap: A Meeting Among Different Viewpoints
Meeting the Individuals
First Participant: P., 34, from London
Profession Ex- government employee, now a learner studying community health
Voting record Voted the Green Party recently (and a member of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a child was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding salt. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, 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. Nobody forces you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then after five years you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with other people in future.
