Image is Everything
Two little girls, both adorable. But only one of them was good enough for the Chinese government. The girl on the right provided her angelic singing voice for the performance of “Ode to the Motherland” at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.
But it was the girl on the left who was deemed more suited to represent the country, because she’s more “attractive”.
One little girl becomes an instant national celebrity, the other was the one who actually did the singing. It’s straight out of “Singin’ in the Rain,” but with 100% less Gene Kelly.
According to the Opening Ceremonies’ musical director, choosing the “better looking” child to lip sync was in the best interests of the country.
Speaking on Beijing Radio station, musical director Chen Qigang said the organisers needed a girl with both a good image and a good voice.
They faced a dilemma because although Lin was prettier, seven-year-old Yang had the better voice, Mr Chen said.
“After several tests, we decided to put Lin Miaoke on the live picture, while using Yang Peiyi’s voice,” he told the radio station.
“The reason for this is that we must put our country’s interest first,” he added.
“The girl appearing on the picture must be flawless in terms of her facial expression and the great feeling she can give to people.”
This is not the first time China has stressed a physical ideal in terms of its Olympic representatives. The country also had vigorous physical requirements for the young women selected to serve as Olympic hostesses, who are responsible for presenting medals and awards throughout the games. All the young women had to meet a specific aesthetic–being between 18 and 25, 5′6″ and 5′10″ tall (well above the national average), and slender in figure with pretty faces.
I’m torn on this whole issue–on one hand, I find it fascinating that this seems to be a country obsessed with its own public image, to the point where it would replace one perfectly cute child with a beautiful singing voice with another it deemed more “flawless.” And yet when faced with constant concerns regarding everything from women’s rights, human rights, environmental concerns (much has been made of Beijing’s notorious smog during these Olympics) and more, the government doesn’t, to be frank, seem to give a hoot.
On the other hand, my outrage is muted by the fact that I honestly could see the exact same thing happening in America. This is a country completely obsessed with the idea of ideal beauty standards, even in children. Just look at kiddie beauty pageants.
I was prompted to write this post after seeing a few outraged blog posts in a row on the subject, none of whom acknowledged that when it comes to shallowness and image obsession, America would be in serious contention for the gold.
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I think you got them reversed…the one in the red dress is the one that lip-synced, the one on the right did the actual singing. (See, both beautiful little girls.)
America is also obsessed with image, but I’m not convinced we would have done the *exact* same thing–as you point out (correctly) both girls are cute. I think it has more potential of happening here where there’s money at stake, like in a commercial or contest, etc., and with teen/adult women. I’m highly idealistic though.
I’m not outraged however…this is par for the course in China. My guess is that we will continue to see more of the same, throughout the Olympics.
Oh, and Kiddie Beauty Pageants are creepy. Ick.
remember the C & C Music Factory scandal? Big woman did the singing and little skinny woman appeared in the video?
China has done nothing that any other nation hasn’t done…put beauty first over talent.
We U.S. American’s do it all the time. As my 7 year old son asked me “Why is there never fat people on TV? They are good too…”.
I’m more concerned about China allow lead tainted false teeth lead the country than what girl they choose.
Sure it is heart breaking… but lets not be hipocrites. What so called Western Nation does not do the same? I at least applaud UK for having “normal” looking people star on shows… and an abundance of actors with talent. Not saying we do not have that in USA…but we do have a lot of pretty people with not necessary substance.
We tend to go for what looks good….
As I said, doesn’t make it right but I am not going to hack China over this trivial incidence. It is the least of Human Rights Violations…..and they aren’t the only ones!
Peace.
Jen - You’re right I’ll fix that one now!
Swan - Agreed, there are far more serious concerns to worry about as far as China. And yes, I totally remember the C&C Music Factory thing!
Your son sounds like he’s got a good head on his shoulders! As a plus-sized gal myself I’ve always thought it was lame that fat people on TV are usually just the comedic relief.