CHINA’S OBSESSION WITH ITS IMAGE

Reference Article:
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ap/20080813/tap-oly-china-lip-synched-song-bb10fb8.html

As the 2008 Beijing Olympics finally draw to a close, this edition of the Games will always be remembered fondly by many, not only for the numerous world and Olympic records that have been shattered in the short duration of 16 days, but especially for the lasting impression China has left with Olympic viewers around the world. True, the Olympics has indeed be a celebration of our athletes’ amazing abilities, but more than that, the 2008 Games have been a celebration of China’s speedy rise up the world order. In the past month or so, China has come under more public scrutiny than any other nation, partly due to record global audience expected to tune in, and the high expectations to deliver a memorable Olympics.

For the 1.3 billion Chinese Nationals, the Olympics symbolized China’s belated “coming-out party” as a global superpower, and fulfils what has been termed “a 100-year dream”. To achieve its ambitious targets of hosting the best ever Olympic Games and leaving a good impression on the world, in addition to topping the gold medal tally for the first time ever, China has left no stone unturned in its efforts, going to extreme lengths to create a “perfect Games” - to the extent that certain decisions taken have made the world sit up and take notice, albeit in a different kind of way.

Perhaps one of the greatest controversies shrouding these Games has been the lip-synching incident during the Opening Ceremony, where 9-year old Lin Miaoke mouthed “Ode to the Motherland”, which was in fact sung by 7-year old Yang Peiyi. When officials came clean a couple of days after the ceremony, it was revealed that the last minute switch had been made because Yang, with her chubby face and slightly crooked baby-teeth, had been deemed not pretty enough to be showcased to the world. Music director Chen Qigang even added "The audience will understand that it’s in national interest", with others echoing his view that there was nothing wrong with picking “the prettier-looking kid over the not so pretty one”. In response to comments that this was a fair deal, Yang said that “just having her voice used was an honour”, but perhaps as a young child, she has yet to understand the impact this decision may have on both the kids in the future. Psychologists say that Yang could possibly grow up with a poor self-image and develop an inferiority complex, while Lin may be continuously perceived by others as a fraud. In addition to the lip-synching revelation, it was also confirmed that the 29 footprints fireworks shown walking towards the Bird’s Nest stadium were pre-recorded digital images, “for convenience and theatrical effects”, a move which has raised ethical and moral questions regarding China’s extensive preparation for the Games.

Looking at the numerous instances in retrospect, it is perhaps sensible to ponder, is China simply getting carried away with its “image-obsession”?

The Olympics effectively began two years ago for China, with various campaigns to prepare the city for the Games such as designating the 11th day of the month as “Queue Up Day” to encourage civic-mindedness, driving away homeless vagabonds and immigrants from urban areas, and cleaning up its foul and polluted air, apart from a major overhaul of the city’s infrastructure and transport systems. A heated debate has also ensued regarding China’s “women” gymnasts, who appear suspiciously underage, a claim which China denies. However, with records of these gymnasts having registered in previous competitions under a much later birth-date, it remains to be seen whether China will be stripped of its first ever gold medal in women’s team gymnastics.

In order to breach new sporting frontiers and achieve dominance in sports not their forte, China has built up an impressive sporting programme which has bore fruit at these Games, raking in couple of gold medals in swimming, boxing and gymnastics – not typical Chinese strongholds. Yet over time, many reports have surfaced regarding the brutality of China’s training programme, which gives little time for leisure and in some cases, only allow athletes to visit their parents once a year. Indeed, no effort has been spared in the quest for the “perfect Olympics”, with strict requirements even for volunteers hoping to serve as flower girls at prize presentation ceremonies during the Games.

It appears this sense of “image-obsession” has gripped the Chinese government and its people, ever so eager to put on a good show for the world, to the extent that Beijing has undergone a complete makeover. For the sake of “national image”, no sacrifices have been spared in ensuring China looks good on TV, regardless of whatever compromises that have to be made within this process. But then again, these sorts of things are not exactly new to China.

Of course, this image obsession is not all bad for China, given that it has helped improve the mannerism of the Chinese society, and aided efforts for a superb Olympics. Yet, I believe certain actions may have crossed the line, particularly the Opening Ceremony’s lip-synching and digital footage incidents. The world had been waiting in eager anticipation to see the real China, not the elusive, deceptive one trying so desperately hard to impress the world. For all we know, China’s controversial ways may have backfired, rubbing some people the wrong way and leaving with them a tainted impression of the world’s most populated nation. How far is ‘enough’ for China?

Despite all these side-line distractions, the Beijing Games has certainly been a remarkable and breathtaking one to behold – one that will always be remembered for the amazing 8 gold feat of Michael Phelps, the world record breaking performances of Usain Bolt, and back home in Singapore, the conquest of our first Olympic medal in 48 long years. China’s report card has without doubt not been too bad overall, with numerous glowing reports from the 204 participating nations, and while the world’s eyes have been glued in support of their favourite athletes on TV screens all over, the host nation has not been forgotten either. In essence, Beijing 2008, with all its ups and downs, will forever be etched in our memories for being a, quote Jacque Rogge (IOC President), “a truly exceptional Games”.