Conversing Across the Gap: An Encounter Among Different Perspectives

Introducing the Individuals

One Participant: Peter, 34, London

Profession Ex- civil servant, now a student focusing on community health

Political history Supported Green recently (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of patriotic”

Interesting fact A drawing of a tea cup Peter did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery

Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow

Occupation Risk manager in the infrastructure industry

Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, he has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and supported the Conservative Party. Identifies as “somewhat right of centre”

Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand Urdu. “I have no use for it, I was just fascinated”

Initial impressions

The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The topics we discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less follows the same curve across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos.

The second participant We shared starters – fishy spring rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London.

Key disagreements

Akshat I look at migration similar to sprinkling salt to a dish. With a small amount, the food is delicious. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.

The second participant Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country.

The first participant There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but many 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 go to a new country for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support yourself and your family.

Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment for some time, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I think we have to have a degree of compassion.

Common ground

The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation benefits society and ought to be promoted.

Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – government, the press – benefit from creating conflict. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.

For afters

Akshat Peter believes that since the United Kingdom profited from the colonial era, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge history with present day morality; eras vary, modern people had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to manage that? No.

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 Irish famine and the role that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve looking at past errors and our current responsibilities.

Final thoughts

The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are opposite to mine. It’s about uniting people to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for the improvement of society.

The second participant We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I didn’t persuade him of any point, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we could hopefully be more receptive to having conversations with others in future.