Conversing Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
First Participant: P., 34, London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Voted the Green Party recently (also a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic”
Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk manager in the construction sector
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 moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We bonded over our affection for the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your family.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that some parts of the community – government, the media – benefit from stoking division. We discovered common ground in basic principles and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the Britain had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not.
Peter Until recently, I don’t think 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 imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about looking at what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in future.
