Conversing Over the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives
Introducing the Individuals
First Participant: Peter, 34, London
Occupation Ex- civil servant, currently a learner studying community health
Political history Voted the Green Party last time (also a member of the political group); formerly Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist”
Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Participant: A., 43, Harrow
Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector
Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has lived in the UK for five years, and supported Conservative. Identifies as “somewhat moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I was just fascinated”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I anticipated someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
Peter We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
The big beef
Akshat I view migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the meal is insipid or overly seasoned.
Peter He had a metaphor regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the nation.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who may not contribute much and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives.
The second participant We became confused with certain details. In my view it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which 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 have to have a certain level of humanity.
Common ground
The first participant Peter questions unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted.
Peter We each have global outlooks. And we concurred that some parts of society – politics, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in basic principles and values.
For afters
Akshat Peter believes that because the UK benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. My view is simply: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to do that? Certainly not.
Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it ought to involve looking at past errors and where we should be now.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to people regularly with opinions are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of the community.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank some sweet Japanese 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 the coming times.
