🔗 Share this article Conversing Over the Gap: A Encounter Among Different Perspectives Meeting the Individuals First Participant: P., 34, London Profession Former government employee, now a student studying public health Voting record Voted Green last time (and a affiliate of the party); formerly Labour. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist instead of nationalist” Interesting fact A sketch of a teacup he created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland Second Diner: A., 43, from Harrow Profession Risk manager in the infrastructure industry Political history Originally from India, Akshat has resided in the United Kingdom for half a decade, and voted Conservative. Identifies as “slightly right of centre” Amuse bouche Akshat taught himself to read and write Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing” For starters Akshat Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East, East Asia, the United States. The topics we discussed are UK-centric, but they are also universal, because human life largely evolve similarly wherever it is. I anticipated someone very liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a good, rational discussion. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos. The second participant We shared appetizers – seafood rolls, dumplings, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I felt somewhat anxious, as I believe Akshat was. Was he going to attack me for my sensitivity? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I have resided in the US and Spain. We connected through our love of the capital. Key disagreements The first participant I view migration like adding salt to a meal. With a small amount, the food tastes wonderful. Use too little or too much and the dish is either too bland or too salty. Peter He had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be a funny place to be if the state was selecting some preferred demographic of the country. Akshat There are, sadly, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are economic migrants who do not necessarily contribute much and can burden the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support yourself and your family. The second participant We got lost with certain details. In my view it’s like you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you get indefinite leave to remain. Nothing is automatic. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an NHS surcharge, access to benefits is limited. There is no special treatment for anybody. And concerning the recent changes, under which family reunification is restricted, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we don’t want you. I believe we have to have a certain level of compassion. Sharing plate The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, wealth creation helps communities and ought to be promoted. The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that certain elements of the community – government, the press – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in fundamentals and ethics. For afters Akshat Peter is of the opinion that because the United Kingdom benefitted from the colonial era, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. I simply think: it is unfair to assess history with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of what happened 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay India, it would be a significant sum of money. Is the UK in a position to do that? Certainly not. Peter Until recently, I believe adequate reflection occurred with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Irish famine and the role that colonialism contributed to it. I hold that decolonization isn’t just about signing a cheque, it should be about examining past errors and our current responsibilities. Takeaways The first participant It may not alter the my perspective, but I appreciate Peter’s concerns. I talk to people every day whose views are contrary to my own. The goal is uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can work towards the betterment of society. Peter We were there 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 having conversations with other people in the coming times.