Conversing Across the Divide: An Encounter Among Opposing Perspectives
Meeting the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, London
Occupation Ex- government employee, now a student focusing on public health
Political history Voted the Green Party last time (also a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Second Diner: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Political history Hailing from India, he has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned to read and write the Urdu language. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We shared appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our affection for London.
Key disagreements
The first participant I look at migration similar to adding salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but a lot of migrants arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the new policies, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – politics, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.
Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It won’t change the way I think, but I understand his worries. I converse with people regularly whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of society.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked dinner, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
