🔗 Share this article Conversing Across the Gap: A Encounter Between Different Perspectives Introducing the Participants First Participant: Peter, 34, London Occupation Ex- government employee, currently a student focusing on community health Voting record Supported the Green Party last time (and a member of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than patriotic” Amuse bouche A drawing of a tea cup he created as a kid was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland Other Diner: A., 43, Harrow Occupation Risk analyst in the construction sector Voting record Originally from India, he has resided in the UK for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre” Amuse bouche He taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing” Initial impressions Akshat During the past 20 years, I have resided and been employed in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are UK-centric, but they are also global, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I drank beer, he opted for mojitos. Peter We shared starters – fishy spring 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 each have immigrant backgrounds. I grew up in Dublin; I’ve lived in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We bonded over our love of the capital. Key disagreements The first participant I look at immigration like sprinkling salt to a meal. When you add a little bit, the dish tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty. Peter Akshat used an analogy about seasoning. It would be a funny place to exist if the government was choosing some preferred demographic of the country. Akshat There are, unfortunately, people escaping oppression, but a lot of people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can burden the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives. Peter We got lost with certain details. I don’t think it is the case that you arrive and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And regarding the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we want your work, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion. Common ground Akshat Peter questions unchecked capitalism. So am I, but at the same time, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted. Peter We each have global outlooks. And we agreed that certain elements of the community – politics, the press – thrive off stoking division. We did find common ground in basic principles and values. For afters The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the UK benefitted from colonial times, it ought to provide compensation to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; eras vary, modern people were not responsible of what happened decades or a century ago. Suppose the UK was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not. Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, when I first moved to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the role that colonialism played in it. My view is decolonization isn’t just about issuing payments, it should be about examining what went wrong and our current responsibilities. Final thoughts The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I appreciate his worries. I talk to individuals every day whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is bringing everyone to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the betterment of society. Peter We remained for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of any point, but we each liked the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.