Conversing Across the Divide: An Encounter Between Different Perspectives

Introducing the Individuals

One Diner: Peter, 34, from London

Profession Ex- civil servant, currently a student focusing on public health

Political history Voted Green recently (and a member of the party); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist”

Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter did as a child was once hung in the Irish National Gallery

Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow

Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry

Political history Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Akshat has resided in the UK for half a decade, and supported the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right”

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 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, East Asia, the United States. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we had a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.

Peter We split appetizers – seafood rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.

Key disagreements

The first participant I look at migration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.

Peter Akshat used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to be if the state was choosing some ideal ethnic makeup of the country.

Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the UK are those seeking better finances who may not add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a different nation for opportunity, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your family.

The second participant We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you come over and work and then following a half-decade you get permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a certain level of humanity.

Common ground

The first participant Peter questions unregulated markets. I am, too, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and should be encouraged.

Peter We’re both internationalist. And we agreed that certain elements of society – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find shared understanding in basic principles and values.

For afters

Akshat Peter believes that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it should pay compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people had no control of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? No.

Peter In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. As an instance, upon my arrival to the United Kingdom, people weren’t aware of the Irish famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities.

Final thoughts

Akshat It won’t change the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to people every day with opinions are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the same page, so that all of us can strive for the betterment of society.

The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we each liked the meal, so we could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.