Conversing Across the Divide: A Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Individuals
One Participant: P., 34, London
Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a student focusing on public health
Political history Voted the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); previously Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once displayed in the Irish National Gallery
Second Participant: A., 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the UK for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Interesting fact He taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
For starters
Akshat Over the last two decades, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the US. The issues Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and Spain. We bonded over our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration like sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
The second participant He used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you should only go if you can take care of your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I think we must maintain a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – politics, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered common ground in basic principles and values.
For afters
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, current society had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of funds. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve examining past errors and where we should be now.
Final thoughts
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people every day whose views 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 remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.
