Beijing’s true face

Many commentators were extremely impressed by the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. And many hoped it represented China showing a new, friendly face to the world. But now details are emerging that all may not have been as it seemed. The latest is that the 9 year old girl who charmed the audience with a performance of “Ode to the Motherland” was miming. The vocal line was actually sung by another girl behind-the-scenes, who was deemed to be less pretty by Chinese officials. Here’s what the ceremony’s musical director had to say:

“The reason for this is that we must put our country’s interest first … 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 may only be a trivial matter. But it’s things like this that will reinforce the impression that the Beijing Olympics are little more than a veneer, covering up a more unpalatable truth.