Conversing Across the Divide: An Meeting Between Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student focusing on community health
Voting record Voted Green last time (also a member of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as âleft, and internationalist instead of patrioticâ
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup he did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Identifies as âslightly right of centreâ
Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. âIt has no practical use for me, I was just fascinatedâ
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, Iâve lived and worked in the Middle East, South Korea, the US. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured â we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters â fishy spring rolls, dumplings, 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? Weâre both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We bonded over our love of the capital.
Key disagreements
The first participant I view immigration similar to adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals fleeing persecution, but many people arriving in the UK are economic migrants who do not necessarily 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 are able to support yourself and your family.
Peter We got lost with certain details. In my view it is the case that you arrive and work and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, visa fees are really high, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, itâs incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peterâs sceptical of unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society â politics, the media â benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and ethics.
Dessert and debate
Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with present day morality; times are different, 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 funds. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the UK, 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 issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I understand his worries. I converse with people every day whose views are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert 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 engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
