Conversing Over the Divide: A Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a student focusing on public health
Voting record Supported Green recently (and a member of the party); previously Labour. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of patriotic”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre”
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
For starters
Akshat Over the last 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I was a little nervous, 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 United States and Spain. We bonded over our love of London.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy regarding salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants 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 opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it is the case that you come over and work and then after five years you get indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom profited 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 had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with individuals every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that all of us can work towards the improvement of the community.
The second participant We were there for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more open to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
