Yang Peiyi and Lin Miao-ke: The Voice, the Face (respectively)

By: AsianWeek Staff, Aug 13, 2008

Tags: 2008 Beijing Olympics |

A large buzz surrounds Lin Miao-ke lip-synching for singer Yang Peiyi at the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. But should there be? Here’s what CNN had to say…
Olympic Opening Ceremony Singer Lip Synced

BEIJING - A little girl and her song captivated millions of viewers during the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. But what they saw was not what they heard.
Games organizers confirm that Lin Miaoke, who performed “Ode to the Motherland” as China’s flag was paraded Friday into Beijing’s National Stadium, was not singing at all.
Lin was lip-syncing to the sound of another girl, 7-year-old Yang Peiyi, who was heard but not seen, apparently because she was deemed not cute enough.
“The reason was for the national interest,” said Chen Qigang, the ceremony’s musical director, in a state radio interview. “The child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feeling and expression. … Lin Miaoke is excellent in those aspects.”
The decision was made at the highest levels, Chen said.
“We had to do it,” he said.

- CNN

*****Keeping up with Olympics:*****

2008 Beijing Olympics Meet Your Asian American Olympians!

Daily Olympic Updates

****************************

Comments

Berlin 1936-Beijing 2008: A Chilling Continuity.

Hardly surprising in a nation in which parents frequently drown their newborn daughters due to their preference for sons and the party’s rigidly enforced one child rule.
The Olympics Games Opening Ceremony was a chillingly Orwellian spectacle that recalled the Nuremberg rallies staged by the Nazis. The fact that an ostensibly “cuter” child was chosen to lip-sync to the singer’s performance is yet more evidence of the complete bankruptcy of the Chinese Communist Party. I can only imagine how the singer feels. Her parents’ willingness to go along with this scheme brings shame upon their family and the entire nation. Despite Mao’s proclamation that women hold up half the sky, an ugly streak of misogyny runs through Chinese society. Girls are completely undervalued, and they have a very high suicide rate. I applaud the efforts of Chinese feminists to challenge this state of affairs, even as they are hampered by the tremendous political repression that characterizes Chinese society.

–Christian on Aug 13, 2008
Christian,

without making normative judgments, I agree that the opening ceremony was eerily reminiscent of the Nazi rallies. In fact, the whole ceremony was remarkably similar to the Nazi propaganda film “Triumph of the Will” I almost heard “one people, one leader, one Germany” while watching the ceremony.

The historical context of the two Olympics are very similar: in 1936, Germany was emerging from the ashes and humiliation of WWI, and reasserting itself on the world stage as the next Uber-power, in 2008, China celebrates its re-emergence as a super-state and return to its “rightful role” after the long stagnation and humiliation that the Chinese have experienced at the foreign hands.

The difference this time, though, to comfort any alarmed non-Chinese, is that the U.S. is an overwhelming Superpower with unmatched military prowess that can easily check unwieldy expansionist tendencies of China or any other nation if need be.

–AsianPresident on Aug 13, 2008
YOU again, “asian”president.

I guess even after countless generations of incestuous breeding, you are still humanoid enough to have 10 fingers for typing.

Do the world a favor and get a job because you need to stop trolling. I hate that my tax money goes to feed lazy trash like you.

–CW on Aug 13, 2008
It’s a shame that the real singer wasn’t shown but it’s hardly some huge evil controversy. We have lip syncing here all the time and if we get over our collective amnesia, we’d realize that. (Ashley Simpson anyone?) There are countless more talented singers in the world and yet pop culture is filled with ppl like the Simpson sisters and Britany Spears simply because they’re more “attractive”. I say the lip syncing incident is more a result of society’s prejudiced preferences than some “evil communist gimmick”.

–cw on Aug 13, 2008
Christian:
I still hold hopes for you, although I’m not sure why.
“Pzarents frequently drown their newborn daughters”?
Even you, Christian, must contemplate the naivete of that statement.
NO parent, I repeat, NO parent, wherever and whatever, would drown their child, male OR female, unless they had been brainwashed. Like you.
As for “AsianPresident,” laugh rather thsn upbraid.
He/she/it doesnt’ deserve the time of day, much less your or my considerations.
This HAS to be one more extension of Captain Obvious and his forebears and nobears.
Wake up, folks, THEY are siimply trying to scare us and divide us, into believing their racist cant about “black” peolple and the divisions amongst us “yellow.”
Yellow, to WASPunks, is cowardly. Yellow, to “Asians,” is the color of “royalty,” much like the color “[iurple” was to the likes of Alexander and those Greks of lavender stripe.
What am I saying?
Belay the lavender, just keep track of the “purple.”
B0th Christian AND, very especially, “AsianPresident,” would do well to pay attention to the facts rather than their peculizar perspicacities as to the drums and alarums of today’s geopolitks.
They are as far behind the times as today’s “headlines.:
Framl
P.S.: WHY azre they so terrified of Obama? That alone cements MY sin gle vote come Novdmbdr, if I’m still around, that is.

–Frank Eng on Aug 13, 2008
you’re pretty stupid cw to be drawing an analogy between Simpson, a willing and knowing adult participant, and a child who may well someday feel slighted and used for her lack of adult insight i.e. a basis to choose the best for herself.

–Sal Bergeron on Aug 13, 2008
Man, Oh Man!
If this week’s Olyimpics “openkng ceremonies” are remotelfy comparable to the ‘36 Nazi version, then I yield the field to both AP and Christian.
It is literlly hilarious, but for the fact that somehow, these creeping crawlies may, possibly, sway those among us who fear and who are susceptible to “hate” in their fearing.
And Art Hu too.
All and each of them are entitled to their “beliefs,” and we must stand still in these precincts to allow them their druthers and their bathetic nonsense online.
But we don’t have to give credence to their divisive, derisive conjurations of chimerae past and present.
Just study what facts are extant or can be derived from the pap and pabulum and porpaganda masqauerading as mainsstream reportage.
Vote. Not as a “bloc,” but as indidividuals who think and decide for themselves, individually.
Frank Eng

–Frank Eng on Aug 14, 2008
Sal:
Don’t look back, but “Simpson” is just one more Gollywood figment of someone’s imagination.
An “adult”? There aren’t many of them around, fictional or “real.”

–Frank Eng on Aug 14, 2008
Frank Eng, it is a fact that millions of baby girls have been killed by their parents as a direct consequence of China’s “one child” policy and their preference for sons over daughters, in order to ensure that they’re cared for in their old age. Baby girls are also abandoned by their parents and wind up in Chinese orphanages, where untold numbers of them are adopted by Westerners (esp. Americans). You can deny it all you want, but this has been a sad feature of Chinese culture for some time. It seems that you interpret even the mildest criticisms of the Chinese Communist Party as some attack on the Chinese people (any by extension, Chinese culture) which is absolutely absurd. Insofar as Asian President is concerned, he seems like a very intelligent individual who is not duped by the propaganda of the CCP. Also, he doesn’t constantly use exclamatation marks to denote irony as you do, and which I find highly annoying. Get used to it - not everyone shares your narrow worldview.
And stop feeling compelled to comment on every single article and post on this website.

–Christian on Aug 14, 2008
I changed my name for cw and Eng, are you Chinese happy now? cw, I make plenty of money, anyway, you better start pinching pennies for the rainy days, I hear gas and groceries keep going up.

Asians other than Chinese (Koreans, Japanese, Filippinoes and Vietnamese, etc.) are generally concerned about the expansionist tendency of the PRC, and want the U.S. to maintain its security guarantees in the Asia-Pacific region. But what’s annoying them right now watching the Olympics, is the Chinese crowds roaring AGAINST Korea and Japan even when Korean and Japan are playing against countries such as Cameroon and Ireland. The Chinese are booing the Koreans in archery and shooting competitions where minimal decency requires that the Chinese fans keep their mouths shut so the Korean players can concentrate. Every day, the Korean papers keep reporting how uncivilized the Chinese are.

Division among yellows? You better believe it: Korea v. Japan, China v. Korean and Japan, etc. No point denying obvious reality.

–non-Chinese-Asian President on Aug 14, 2008
Well, guys:
What can I say, Christian, c.w., and non-Chinese Asian President (sure hope he ain’t “Chinese” but if you are, I forgive you),
First I am pleased, astonished?, that too, that you even bother to read my screeds, such as they are or pretend to be, just like yours. Hey, we’re all “human,” what. At least I DO hope so.
That said, Chritsian, I respond only to MY peculiar pecadilloes, which do not, definitely, include “millions” of PRC parents who drown their infant girl-children. I doubt not that there have been more than far too many, but, then, there are the likes of the Texan variety of bathtub drownings.
Infanticide is one of the hallmarks of the human species, regardless of race, creed, or color. And the sad and hapless parent(s) are no better and no worse than those who believe human “life” in a Petri dish outweighs human lives in our ghettos thronged by the victims os said beliefs.
I’m sorry I nettle you, as you no longer do me.
c.w, “lip-sync’ing” goes a long long ways back into the Dark Ages of Gollywood studio audio “loopings” of visual wonders, a “technical” parallel to the TelePrompTer “readings” of our “glorious leaders.”
And, non-Chinese “Asian” President, just exactly why do y ou revel in hatreds?
Fans who “boo” their opponents are merely infants in the arena of putative adulthood.
EVERY nation indulges in same, from slant-eyed Spaniards to flag-waving hooh-hahs and hooligan idiots infesting the stadia of Europe.s
Not that ANYone should be proud of “homeland” hooters at visiting challengers.
That said, what’s “race” got to do with this? Even “nations” and their palpitating publics.
It’s all showbiz AND sham.
But, at least, it’s not bloodshed and destruction. Other than online screexds like this one.
Sorry, guys, I could care less here, and I kid you not. Nor should you, if you could only transcend your own specific fears and loathings.
I loathe no one. Well, belay that. I loathe this American administration, the theoneocons, the transducers of true Zionism, the warmongers, the profiteers especially, and those who sell themselves out for an unpretty penny.
Otherwise, I LOVE everyone, including you, if you will but allow me the er, ah, “privilege”?
Frank Eng
P.S.: The “original” “AsianPresident” has yet to reveal himself, much less present his bona fides to this er, ah, “embassy” on behalf of humanity, which includes ALL of us, willing or no, willy-nilly.

–Frank Eng on Aug 15, 2008
Should all not good looking chinese be SHOOTED for the

national interest ???

–Wong SunChiu on Aug 15, 2008
On the subject of CCP, it is undeniable that the Chinese government has set forth policies “unacceptable” in the eyes of most of the world - the one child policy being one of the more highly publicized. The perception of many of these policies is the result of a fundamentally different view on the role of government. Whereas the vast majority of Chinese believe that the government’s purpose is to promote the collective good, Americans believe the role of the government is to promote the good of every individual. In fact, the latter view is the foundation of a “democratic” voting system. We all vote for our own interests, so in the end, a medium is achieved for every individual’s happiness - we all get a little bit of what we wanted, but also compromised in the process.
It is undeniable in the case of China that the pursuit of an individual’s maximum utility may not yield the maximum aggregate utility, and therefore, a collectivist view of government is better suited. This is evidenced by China’s economic advances in the past decade, which is comparable to that of the United States throughout its industrial revolution.
As an Chinese American, I am proud of these achievements by my motherland. As a Chinese American, I am proud of the incredible extravaganza that was the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. However, shedding my Chinese ideals, I have to admit that I could never live there, because I want to drive my big engine cars, live in my own house with a large backyard. I am selfish just like the rest of us.
As for the little girl slighted out of a chance to perform in front of an audience of 100,000; I believe it’s a travesty that fit right in with the theme of the Olympics. “One world, one dream” is the perfect reflection of the collective ideology that justified the one child policy, it is the perfect reason to hide the face of a beautiful voice. But, when the issue is on such a microcosmic level, involving two small children, when the result sought after is so petty, even the collective Chinese are sickened by this bait and switch. As a fellow musician, I feel deeply sorry for Yang Peiyi. Good music is good, regardless who makes it, that is the lesson to be learned for all young musicians. That is why music is a language without barriers. Even though the little girl was hidden behind the facade crafted by the politburo, she and the entire world should be proud because her song charmed the us all. Let us praise the girl for her performance, rather than involve her in the ugly business of politics, give her the proper 15 minutes of fame she deserves.

–Yang on Aug 17, 2008
It’s simply a shame shame and shame… What they would have done instead is to praise little Yang Peiyi for her supreme talent by showing real her to the world. None of the wise people in the whole wide world would care about the way she looks…they would have praised her no matter what and the game organizers would have also been praised for showing the real talents… the person/people who have chosen a prettier girl may have some inferiority complex…that’s why they think looks are more important…But look what you have done to a very talented singer and also to your own country…Can you face the world now??? What a shame…!

–Nancy on Aug 19, 2008
First, I want to give lots of credit to the musical director for coming forth with this situation. That took a lot of courage. Unfortunately, he’ll probably not have a job anymore.

Moving on. Both girls were cheated from the full Olympic experience. One girl was given the duty to look cute and not sing. The other was to sing and not show her face, in essence letting the cute girl take the credit for a fantastic voice. The girls may say now, what a privilage it was to just be a part of the ceremony. But when they are older, they will realize the impact of not measuring-up.

–Maria Z. on Aug 19, 2008
They cheated two girl, especially Lin Miao-ke. They made her become a cheater in people’s eyes. It’s not her fault because she was only a kid and she didn’t know that she sang lip synced. She is too small to face to a big scandan like this. Yang Peiyi was known as a victim but what peope call Lin Miao-ke? Lip syncing girl? They said that Yang Peiyi ‘d said that she wasn’t sad but proud because her voice was choosen but why don’y they dare to show what little Lin Miao-ke thinks?

–Ly on Aug 21, 2008
Lip sync or having the cutier person wins (on TV) isn’t any thing new. When was the last time we’ve seen an unattractive but talented singer/dancer, etc. go on to win on Amer Idol, talent shows, can you dance….whatever…everything is about marketability and making lots of $$. Even the better looking but less athletic players get more coverage….so stop whining and enjoy technology and commercialism. And all these hoolapoop in China in the last 2 wks aren’t new in todays world society. All terrible issues are everywhere…it’s a human problem, not an human ethnicity…

Peace out.

–Foomanchu on Aug 21, 2008

Post your comments.

Comments using inappropriate language will not be posted. AsianWeek reserves the right to re-publish comments, into "Letters to the Editor," in which case, we reserve the right to edit comments for length and style. If you would like to write a letter to our editor, please email: asianweek@asianweek.com.