Not allowing a little girl to sing because she's not cute enough! R U serious?
By dloveli
@dloveli (4366)
United States
August 13, 2008 7:13am CST
I am so upset right now! I was just watching the news when I heard that the little girl who sang at the opening ceremonies wasn't even the girl who sings the song. She wasn't allowed to sing it because she wasn't cute enough. WHAT! Is this for real? How could they do that and admit it? The committee responsible for the performances in the opening games fully admit that the little girl who really sings the song just wasn't cute enough. Imagine how that child feels? I hope the family of the child who really sings the song was at least paid for this injustice. Not that any amount of money will make it right. It may just allow them to move on and have a little extra while they do it. I have children and I can't imagine how the little girl felt. What really got me was they showed a picture of the girl who really sings the song and she was as cute as a button. I guess the people that were in control didn't think so. Shame on them! Did China honestly think that no one would find out? The Olympics are highly publicized. Any wrong doings no matter how small, will be uncovered. I can't stop thinking about that poor little girl. Basically they said or implied she was ugly. I tried to think of it as if it were me and I would feel so embarassed and be afraid to go to school so that the kids can make fun of me. I hope that doesnt happen to her. Am I wrong?
22 people like this
63 responses
@vanities (11395)
• Davao, Philippines
14 Aug 08
i had seen that particular news about the little girl..and i had seen the pic on the real singer ..shes cute and not really that ugly..just cant imagine why the chinese think that way..and furthermore i think they are asking for the real singer on the closing of the olympics not the little cute girl who lipsync and commercial model or whatever..i guess im more on the talent not linger much on the physical attributes..
@marababe (2503)
• Philippines
14 Aug 08
I read this first in an online celebrity blog yesterday morning and then heard it on the news later that day. I think it's too absurd, hypocritical and insulting not just to everyone who they "fooled" but especially to the young girl who REALLY sang the song. What are they doing and thinking making a "much cuter" girl lip sync a song just because the original singer wasn't cure ENOUGH?? Anyway, I hope the "less cute" girl with the beautiful voice doesn't get traumatized by this.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
13 Aug 08
well, that is so wrong... i haven't heard the news yet here... but i can understand what you are saying... i hope the young girl is too young to understand and does not really matter... it is so sad that this kind of things happen... especially in the big event like opening ceremony of the olympics... take care and have a nice day...
3 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Aug 08
My feelings exactly. I feel so bad almost like I did it. The sad part about it is their is nothing we can do. No one really cares what we think. China has been doing what is in their own best interest for ever. Why change for the Olympics? The rest of the world did. dl
1 person likes this
@abhi_destar (764)
• India
13 Aug 08
I don't know, but the Chinese government does seem to be in a mood to cover up many things recently. They forcibly hushed up the Tibet issue, they have even made it mandatory for the protesters to register themselves with them and they'll be allowed to protest only in certain areas where the common people's eyes will probably never ever reach. What's the point of a demonstration, then, may I ask? China has, of course, always been notorious when it comes to suppressing the freedom of the press and other media. Basically, they are always striving to veil the worse issues affecting the country and put up a brave, beautiful face to the world. At least, the Olympic venues speak that for themselves. But would you ever have imagined that inspite of all the modernity, all the technological advancements of the nation, they would still be in the grasps of medieval concepts of ugly and fair, that also, for this world event? I don't know, but if I was the parent of that child who actually sang the song, I wouldn't have allowed her to face such ignominy. But of course, the poor parents might also have been kept in the dark about all this.
3 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Aug 08
In fairness, I can understand the idea of wanting to have an excellent, memorable, and well performed opening ceremonies. So the idea of going to extremes doesnt shock me. What bothers me is that they should have done it to an adult who can cope alittle better with the publicity. A four year old with the gift of song is cute in itself. That could have been their way to prosperity and it was taken before she was even introduced. That's my issue. China should realize that the Olympics stand for honesty, true natural talent. Not imposters that may look better on camera. What next? How about the gymnasts and lying about their age? What is it they wont do? dl
1 person likes this
@robert19ph (4577)
• Philippines
13 Aug 08
[i]Hello dloveli,
I heard that news too and I feel bad about the girl family. But this is China and they have an authoritarian government. They usually do what they want. If they think it is not good for the country, individual rights are set aside. Their policy is gear toward the good of all and they make their decisions based on that. For a democratic country this is horrible. Individual rights are honored and you can't just do this thing, unless this is a beauty contest where looks is more important that talent. I think we will see more of these type of behavior by the Chinese government. Hopefully there will be also change on their human rights record. With their growing economy and more individual getting rich a change might be coming soon.
Warm regards.[/i] 
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Aug 08
I hate to agree, but you are absolutely correct. Its just hard to think that people can still be treated so badly by their own countries. I think what makes it soooooo bad is that these two little girls are very little. Too little to be put through this and at a time where the world, as a whole, is putting the lies and deciet aside, to come together for a few weeks and share our natural talents. What China did was sum up their views on unimportant unity is to them meaning the government. The chinese people have no choice. God Help them! dl
2 people like this
@insulin (2479)
• Philippines
13 Aug 08
Yup I saw the news and It is definetly a bad image of china..It is said too that the fireworks they used were all faked and it's really a negative thing..And yeah,I am really sad about the original singer because she didn't have the opportunity to expose her real talent and there is no justice about that cute stuff...Whether your cute or not as long you have talent then that's it..The olympic year is not really perfect..Godbless and have a nice day..:- 0
3 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Aug 08
As a country we have to stand behind our athletes. If it wasnt for that I wouldnt watch it. I think this just put a bad taste in my mouth. My views are about the children and this affecting their lives in the future. If I could I would let something like this happen when one of the committees children are chosen to do something. How would they feel? Honestly they probably wouldnt care at all. Some of these countries rule by force or innuendo. THe families dont really have a say on much. Why would this be different? dl
1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8540)
• United Kingdom
14 Aug 08
That's really disgusting. I think that if a person is singing - whether a child or an adult - it should be that person who is seen, not some random other person whom one or two people deem "cute". Like you say, they have more or less said that the little girl was ugly and, I'm sure she isn't but even if she was, there is no reason why she shouldn't be seen so that people know who is singing. Of course, this isn't unusual. There must be hundreds of "pop stars" who have dubbed voices but to do that to a child is despicable. I know I would be furious if someone did that to one of my children.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
14 Aug 08
CHina wonders why they are looked upon as a dictatorship. It seems to me that they could have cared less about crushing a 4 year old little girls dreams by publicly calling her UGLY. Shame on you. I think that when people look back at the Beijing Olympics this will be one of the things they remember. dl
@subha12 (18441)
• India
14 Aug 08
yes i responded to this yesterday,. its really strange. what notion that girl has got? she can sing well but she is not beautiful enough? why children should be treated like this. all these children are so cute from innocence.But why they hushed up like this? even they could find a so called 'beautiful' child who could have sing. it is exploitation and shame.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
14 Aug 08
As I was reading your response I was looking at your picture by your name. I couldnt imagine if a government said that you couldnt have that picture because its just not cute enough. I would kill! Children are a gift not a burden. I honestly believe China didnt think this one through. dl
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
13 Aug 08
I think that what was important was having the child with the amazing voice singing. It didn't matter what she looked like. Thankfully she was too young to realize that she had been rejected because of her appearance. All people have feelings, especially children. The people that are in high positions of authority often do the wrong thing in China. I haven't seen a young child that is not cute. I once had a boy that sang like an angel in my class and I didn't put a pretty girl in his place in assemblies. The Chinese officials should learn to consider people's feelings.
3 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Aug 08
The sad part is that I have seen a picture of the real singer and she was soooooo cute. China should be ashamed of themselves. Sadly they wont lose sleep over it. Imagine all the negativity the parents are going to receive? Noone should ever question their loyalty to their coutry. dl
1 person likes this
@little_momma (198)
• United States
14 Aug 08
That is horrible! If she were my child I would tell the 'powers that be' that they could shove a recording up their keesters! I would rather tell my child they weren't selected to sing over having to tell her 'yes sweetie, you get to sing but they don't like your face so you won't be seen'. Talk about a complex. I think you are right. The little girl should be compensated for the singing and the humiliation in what they have insinuated. I'm a mother of two girls and a boy and I don't even want to imagine what I would have done to anyone if they would have made my child an offer like that. It is pathetic and completely against what the olympics are supposed to be about. Its just telling the little girls of the world that if you work hard and practice and become the best then you will succeed.....IF YOU ARE CUTE. My gosh....Now I'm upset!
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
14 Aug 08
I feel you little momma. However we must remember that China isnt a democracy. The parents would probably been ostracized for refusing. I hope that these children understand and forgive their parents. What could they've done? Nothing except make more problems for themselves. Imagine how the child would be looked upon by siblings and relatives if they were punished for not allowing this. Either way this family would have suffered. Hopefully, they will be rewarded for this. God bless the child. dl
@MZKUMA (705)
• United States
14 Aug 08
I vaguely heard something on the news today (I was waking up and the news was on) of some girl lip singing to a song and the real voice wasn't considered attractive enough. Pity. She may not understand know, but children do not forget. I doubt that the viewers would have cared how she looked. They would have applauded her courage and talent.
2 people like this
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
14 Aug 08
But...that's just what they DID. They were just too shallow to realize how cute that real little singer IS (& too callous to care who got hurt).
Maggiepie
1 person likes this
@roanne05 (1290)
• Oman
16 Aug 08
i am also curious why did the parents agree anyway,,,i mean, with the set-up that she will sing but will not be seen by public that she is the one that sings is very degrading to her...why did they allow the producer to degrade their daughter. because if i am the mother, i will not allow my daughter to be treated that way...
1 person likes this
@chinnyskinny (195)
• Philippines
14 Aug 08
Im so upset too .. your right ..Why did they do to that little girl.. if i were that little girl i will not allow to use my voice there...thats my opinion..
2 people like this
@dagda24 (366)
•
13 Aug 08
Thankfully, the little girl they bumped out of the picture is a little young to understand the implications of such an action. She actually seemed happy with the situation, though again, this may be because she is not old enough to understand.
I think in a day and age where media pressure to look good is everywhere, the Chinese government have probably done a lot of damage to those with low esteem linked to their appearance.
There is some karmic justice though as the Chinese government have done this to give themselves a good appearance and have achieved exactly the opposite because everyone is appauled by their actions.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Aug 08
I hope you to heavens that she doesnt. I havent heard anything from her only saw a picture of her. I think that governments are sometimes selfish. The politicians dont ever care about the long term affects just the here and now. Most likely by the time any problems arise with individuals they have left office. So the next politician plays the shocked and apologetic role and move on. It happens here as well. With the media being as powerful as they are, it was stupid on China's part to think that the Olympics would wash away all the negative publicity and dirt. Come on! dl
1 person likes this
@aprilten (1966)
• Philippines
14 Aug 08
i heard that, too. but i haven't seen the other girl who actually sang the song though. i also think that girl has been done an injustice. it's not fair to her. also, i believe that they corrupted that little girl that they put on stage. whatever is happening to our world.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
14 Aug 08
I have researched China alittle. I found that these types of things are done all the time. They make a family feel as if they are doing it as a show of their loyalty. They have hopes of money, opportunities, food, etc. I have to remember that China isnt a democracy. dl
@alindahaw (1219)
• Philippines
14 Aug 08
Now this is really cruel. Just because the little girl is not that cute that does not mean that she should not be allowed to sing in public. I really can't understand why people nowadays prefer good looks than real talents. I mean sure it is nice to see good looking people but it is also nice to have talented people around too. Looks can't be everything you know.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
14 Aug 08
If you get a chance, check the different news outlets. I saw a picture of the child on the Today Show. She is soooooo cute and I am not just saying that. There are some children that have faces only their parents could love. We have them in my family. lol Just Kidding. She was so small and innocent. I feel for both children. The child that did lip sync is now being looked upon as being horrible. However, she was put in the same situation. She did it as a form of respect to her country. Who wouldnt want to participate in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics? I would. dl
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
13 Aug 08
Hi dhloveli,
[i]My husband sent that articles yesterday when we were chatting during his lunch break and I felt very sad for the kid! That is very unfair and very rude for them to published without even thinking how it would affect the little kid who sing and who have a good voice but is not pretty and flawless as the other one!
It's heartbreaking indeed! I hope people will be more mature and open-minded! ANyone will love the original regardless of the face as long as they will not fake it![/i]
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Aug 08
China should be so ashamed of themselves. For God sakes its a highly profiled event. Publicity is everywhere in the Olympics is huge. What did they think was going to happen? All you have to do is look at other countries tabloid and realized how things always come to a head. I feel so bad for both little girls. Imagine how the real singer feels that she wasnt cute enough. When in all reality she's as cute as a button. THe other girl is gonna receive alot of bad publicity for doing something her parents thought would make her famous. It did but know she's in-famous. thanks dl.
1 person likes this
@palonghorn (5479)
• United States
13 Aug 08
I couldn't believe it either when my mom told me about it. And you are so right, with all the American news people over there covering it, did they really think it wouldn't come out. I couldn't believe that told that little girl, you can sing but you aren't cute enough. One question I have, is where were her parents, I'd have told them NO, my child is not going to sing while another one lipsyncs. No money would have made that right. I don't think they ever intended to 'admit' it, but once it came out, what were they going to do. And what did they tell the other child, she was cute but couldn't sing worth a damn?
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
13 Aug 08
I feel you. From what I understand, the family was probably led to believe that they were doing it for there country. In China the government is involved in family decisions. I mean there are laws that are directly concerning the family and their actions. I think had they said no or that they would tell if they did this, they probably would have suffered bad luck(if you know what I mean). Thanks for responding. dl
1 person likes this
@rare070203 (41)
• Philippines
14 Aug 08
It is really upsetting! china just made an implication that there is discrimination in their country! the reason was very ridiculous ! I know people will not tease a young girl who sang very beautifully despite of her physical appearance.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
14 Aug 08
There was nothing wrong with her appearance. I saw a picture of her on the news. They said there was a rumor she had something wrong with her foot not being straight or something. However, that would have been understandable if the little girl wasnt singing as she was flying through the air on wires. How would her feet matter? She was wearing a long dress. You wouldnt have even seen them. What does it say about how China looks at their citizens who do have deformities or handicaps? I dont want to know. dl
@guitarfantanner (5)
• United States
14 Aug 08
It is never good to call someone ugly even if they are too little to understand. I think it makes you less of a person to make fun of other people. That was wrong what they did to that girl.
2 people like this
