Peter Liang has recently been sentenced, but this is not going to be yet another opinion piece on the actual sentence, which is a legal matter. Rather this is going to focus on the reactions from those claiming a Chinese identity to the sentencing and the story in general, from those specifically claiming a Chinese identity in their writings.



Throughout this story, we have had so-called "activists" churning out one opinion piece after another using their identity as a crutch, specifically those using phrases like "As a Chinese American" before they express a personal opinion.



Let's be clear of about the context. Tens of thousands of Chinese Americans protested in support of Liang. In response to the protests, certain "activists" turned to opinion pieces to express their disagreement. Disagreement is perfectly fine; the problem is that they try to attach a group identity to what is nothing more than their personal opinion. The identity crutch doesn't boost credibility or authenticity here.



There is no difference between those claiming a Chinese identity and those who don't when it comes to opposing the multitude of Chinese who spoke out with demonstrations. This is the scenario where "as a Chinese American" doesn't add anything. These "activists" don't have any more credibility or right on this issue than any other non-Chinese/non-Asian commentator.



It must be clearly understood that anybody can have whatever personal opinion they want, but attempts to speak for or misrepresent a group is no longer possible when that group already makes its position clear. The Liang supporters represent Chinese Americans because the inconvenient truth is they were the ones with thousands upon thousands on the ground. Therefore it is those who disagree that need to be clear they only speak for themselves, or be called out if they aren't clear. Speak and disagree as an individual, but don't try and use an identity crutch to mislead or misrepresent. Even if such attempts successfully fool others into believing something false about Chinese Americans, it won't mean anything when it counts. The reality and numbers on the ground will show how hollow it is, just as it did this time.



The author is a writer from Kulture Media, media watchdog on behalf of Asian Americans. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn Follow us on Twitter @GTopinion