Conversing Over the Gap: An Encounter Among Different Viewpoints

Meeting the Participants

First Diner: P., 34, London

Occupation Former civil servant, now a student 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 rather than nationalist”

Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery

Second Diner: Akshat, 43, Harrow

Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry

Political history Originally from India, Akshat has lived in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Identifies as “slightly moderate right”

Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “I have no use for it, I simply found it intriguing”

Initial impressions

The first participant During the past 20 years, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.

The second participant We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for the capital.

Key disagreements

Akshat I view migration like sprinkling salt to a dish. 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 about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.

Akshat There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, 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. In my view it’s like you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.

Common ground

Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged.

Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.

For afters

The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; eras vary, current society 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, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now.

Final thoughts

Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people every day with opinions are contrary to my own. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.

Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with other people in future.