Do not make sweeping generalisations

Dear Mr Netto,

I refer to the article in the HERALD of Nov 1 titled Francis of Assisi and ecological spirituality. I am appalled by the sweeping generalisations in this work. You are in a privileged position because of your position and because of the opportunity you have to communicate your views to so many. But with this privilege comes responsibility, and you have a responsibility to speak the truth and provide informed, well balanced and reasoned articles.

I have worked for over 23 years in the chemical industry and have worked in a number of factories in several different countries. I have had the pleasure of working with senior industry leaders who are devout and holy Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and also with agnostics and atheists. Without exception, they have been individuals with a deep concern for the impact of our operations on consumers, employees and the environment. The safety of our products, the wellbeing of our workforce and the protection of the environment have always been top of our agenda. Manufacturing industry prioritises these aspects and spends billions of dollars every year to develop safer products, manage safer workplaces and minimise the impact on the environment. Of course, there are a few exceptions and there are bad manufacturers; just as there are bad priests and, no doubt, bad journalists. This does not mean we should tar all with the same brush.

Your article ignores all of this and paints us all as environmental “rapists”. This is cheap, playground journalism: choose a faceless target and make a sweeping generalisation without any supporting facts. Mr Netto, I can guarantee that every day you enjoy the benefits of the produce of these seemingly evil corporations. Just considering my own sphere of operations, my colleagues and I have given you medical and surgical products, medicines, clothing, food and a whole host of products to enhance the quality of your life. And how can you claim that the members of the manufacturing sector “cannot fathom” our natural heritage or have a bonding with the land? How many people in the manufacturing sector have you met? Do you not recognise that we too are ordinary human beings and probably have as much love and respect for nature as yourself?

Have you taken the time to consider the “carbon footprint” of the Church, or the publication you write for?

From the naivety of your words and your illinformed prejudices I can tell you are not in touch with the modern world. This is obvious from your very first paragraph: “All of a sudden it has become fashionable to talk about ‘green technology’, ‘renewable energy’ and ‘organic food’.” My goodness, where have you been? These have been hot topics for over 40 years!! And in the mainstream media too! If you cared to take an interest, you would notice that it is the very corporations that you so readily criticise that have grasped these opportunities.

Mr Netto, I have a challenge for you. Please come with me to visit a chemical factory and meet some of those you accuse of being rapists and polluters. Come and see for yourself the good and honourable employees who devote their lives to manufacturing with care and responsibility. Then I would hope to see you publish another article that rights the wrongs you have done to these good people. And in future, you might just do a small amount of research before launching into print with your ill-founded prejudices.

Dr Brendan Catlow
Herald Malaysia