Conversing Across the Divide: An Encounter Between Opposing Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
One Diner: Peter, 34, from London
Occupation Former government employee, currently a learner focusing on public health
Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Identifies as “left, and globalist instead of nationalist”
Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup he did as a kid was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Originally from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I have resided and been employed in the Middle East, South Korea, the United States. The issues we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
The second participant We shared starters – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe he was too. Would he criticize me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I view immigration like sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the government was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, sadly, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of migrants arriving in the UK are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you can take care of yourself and your family.
The second participant 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 get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, there is an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I think we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that some parts of the community – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to those countries. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with present day morality; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? No.
The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, the public weren’t aware 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 our current responsibilities.
Final thoughts
Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with people regularly whose views are opposite to my own. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to having conversations with other people in future.
