🔗 Share this article Conversing Over the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives Introducing the Individuals First Diner: Peter, 34, from London Occupation Former civil servant, now a student focusing on public health Voting record Supported the Green Party recently (and a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and internationalist instead of nationalist” Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup he did as a child was once displayed in the National Gallery of Ireland Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow Occupation Risk manager in the construction sector Political history Originally from the Indian subcontinent, he has resided in the United Kingdom for five years, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “somewhat right of centre” Amuse bouche Akshat self-learned 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 the Middle East, East Asia, the US. The issues Peter and I talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less follows the same curve wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we had a productive, logical conversation. I drank beer, Peter had mojitos. The second participant We split appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, daikon cakes with beansprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Would he criticize me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and Spain. We connected through our affection for London. Key disagreements Akshat I view migration like adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish is delicious. Use too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty. The second participant He had a metaphor about salt. It would be odd to exist if the state was selecting some ideal ethnic makeup of the country. Akshat There are, unfortunately, individuals fleeing persecution, but a lot of people arriving in the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the welfare system. No one compels you to move to a different nation for opportunity, so you should only go if you are able to support your own needs and your relatives. Peter We became confused with some of the facts. I don’t think it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming since Theresa May, visa fees are really high, there is an healthcare levy, access to benefits is restricted. There is no special treatment for anybody. And regarding the recent changes, whereby family reunification is restricted, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of humanity. Common ground Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unregulated markets. I am, too, 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 press – thrive off creating conflict. We discovered shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics. For afters The first participant Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay compensation to those countries. My view is simply: you cannot judge history with present day morality; times are different, modern people had no control of events 50 or 100 years ago. Suppose the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is the UK in a position to manage that? Certainly not. The second participant In the past, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. As an instance, when I first moved to the United Kingdom, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonisation is not merely about issuing payments, it should be about examining what went wrong and where we should be now. Takeaways The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate his worries. I converse with individuals every day whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about bringing everyone to the common understanding, in order that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community. Peter We remained for two and a half hours. Akshat had dessert and I drank a Japanese dessert wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with other people in future.