🔗 Share this article Conversing Across the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives Introducing the Participants First Participant: P., 34, from London Profession Former government employee, currently a student focusing on community health Political history Voted the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic” Amuse bouche A drawing of a teacup Peter did as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland Second Participant: Akshat, 43, from Harrow Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector Voting record Originally from India, he has lived in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted Conservative. Describes himself as “somewhat moderate right” Amuse bouche He taught himself to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing” For starters The first participant Over the last 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because human life more or less evolve similarly across the world. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos. The second participant We split appetizers – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, 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’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of the capital. The big beef Akshat I look at migration like adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is insipid or overly seasoned. Peter He had a metaphor regarding salt. It would be odd 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 United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. Nobody forces you to move to a different nation for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you can take care of yourself and your relatives. Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it’s like you arrive and work and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, there is an NHS surcharge, eligibility for support is limited. There is no special treatment for anyone. And concerning the new policies, under which family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we want your work, but we don’t want you. I believe we must maintain a degree of compassion. Sharing plate Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, economic growth helps communities and should be encouraged. The second participant We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of society – government, the media – thrive off stoking division. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics. For afters Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the UK profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, current society were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate India, it would be a huge amount of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not. Peter In the past, I don’t think there was much reckoning with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that colonialism played in it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities. Final thoughts Akshat It won’t change the way I think, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to individuals regularly with opinions are contrary to mine. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that all of us can strive for the improvement of society. Peter We were there 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 could hopefully be more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.