Conversing Across the Divide: An Encounter Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
One Diner: P., 34, from London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a learner focusing on community health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as âprogressive, and globalist rather than patrioticâ
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup he did as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from India, he has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as âsomewhat right of centreâ
Interesting fact He self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. âI have no use for it, I was just fascinatedâ
Initial impressions
Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured â we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers â seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for the capital.
The big beef
Akshat I view immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can burden the welfare system. Nobody forces you to go to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. I donât think it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. Itâs been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, itâs incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a degree of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peterâs sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community â politics, the press â benefit from creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of events decades or a century ago. Letâs say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to do that? No.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization is not merely about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I talk to individuals regularly whose views are opposite to mine. Itâs about bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didnât persuade him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.