Faked, harmonized, prettified, just when everyone seems so into the Games, out comes the news that two of the highlights of the opening ceremony were not what they appeared: production of a made-for-tv version of the footstep fireworks that walked across the sky from Tiananmen Square to the Bird's Nest began a year ago, and nine year-old Lin Miaoke, de facto face of the event for many, was actually lip synching to the voice of seven year-old Yang Peiyi, harmonized out of the picture because she doesn't look perfect enough. There was some humor to be found in this; people asked, ‘they blew so much money on this thing and we couldn't even get a real one?'
For the faked footstep fireworks, the argument that there wasn't much difference between what was seen from the ground and what was seen on television has made it less of a controversy, that and probably the fact that most bloggers are used to digital touch-ups of official events.
Looking at the early buzz on Twitter, though, we feel a sense of shame at seeing authorities muck it up not once but twice, and then wondering what the next fake revelation will be.
Twenty-something Sohu web editor and iPod fan Flypig wrote a series of tweets just as word was spreading through blogger circles:
http://twitter.com/flypig/statuses/884863093
他妈逼《歌唱祖国》这事儿已经超出了“假唱”的范畴，就是“替唱”，和“替考”是他妈一个性质的事情，这是对整个中国青少年的极大误导。张艺谋滚出来道歉！
http://twitter.com/flypig/statuses/884865256
张艺谋用实际行动告诉了全中国未成年心智未成熟的青少年和儿童：为了“和”，为了“歌唱祖国”，可以让儿童行骗！
http://twitter.com/flypig/statuses/884866210
张艺谋还传递出来一个信息，就是，人长得不好看，歌唱得再好听，也是不能上台的。我去你妈的。你知道你导演的这台开幕式有多大影响吗？你知道你会扭曲一整代人的心理吗？
News of the lip-synching where reported was (at least in many places) quickly deleted, but discussion continued elsewhere; also on Twitter, Chinese wikipedian @shizhao tweeted in response to @buchimifan ('Chen Qigang reveals, the main reason Yang Peiyi was taken out was in consideration of the image presented to the rest of the world, and national interest') and @kcome ('fuck the image presented to the rest of the world, and fuck national interest! Denigrate kids like this and our heaven-sent hypocrisy will just flow from one generation to the next!'):
@kcome @number5 @buchimifan 这样说的话，当年美国奥运会拳王阿里颤颤巍巍那火炬的形象，岂不更是丢尽了美国人的脸？
Blogger/businessman Isaac Mao has collected a few other posts, one of which from Sina blogger ‘nice book on a summer night' asks:
两个孩子都很优秀，但我想此后她们都会为此事受到伤害~ 唉，这事儿办得，，，哪怕是一个不很完美的童声，或是一个不很惊艳的形象，我们都能接受…
可是现在，别说很多人接受不了~孩子们能承受吗？
大人的决策，要她们来承担后果，对两个小女孩都不公平~
如果有人想为这件事情辨护，请先想想，如果杨沛宜是自己的孩子，如果林妙可是自己的孩子。
有的时候，底线和原则是比国家利益还重要的，至少，如果是我的孩子。
But now, never mind that we can't accept this, do you think that the kids can stand it?
Adults made the decision, but they have to deal with the consequences, which are unfair to these two little girls~
For anyone thinking of defending this incident, please just think: what if Yang Peiyi was your own child? What if Lin Miaoke was your own child?
Sometimes, things like the bottom line and principles are more important than national interest; at least they would be if those were my kids.
At the end of his post, Isaac asks:
那么，还有什么是真的呢？金牌？
Perpetually blocked Blogspot blogger Nick Wong also writes:
今天新闻出来了，让很多人感动得热泪盈眶的小女孩唱歌（歌唱祖国）原来是演“双簧”的假唱，而另一让众多人赞不绝口的焰火“大脚印”大部分是事先的录像，并不是实况直播，真真算是丑闻了。我本来也不觉得这两点有什么让人激动（反而觉得很恶心），当然听了这个消息也不觉得什么失落。中国人天性好面子，自古就好大喜功、喜欢弄虚作假，一点也不奇怪，只是连纯真的孩子从小都要受这样恶习的熏陶，真是让人叹息。
Send this by E-mail
There’s something disturbing about getting news on the “pulse” of a nation via posts on message boards and internet forums.
I guess this is the dumbing down of culture extends to “journalism” as well.
@Josn,
I’m sorry, maybe you didn’t notice that posts from three blogs were translated here? And as for the Twitter bits that were translated, those all come from well-known, high-profile Chinese internet personalities.
In my humble opinion, China had already lost face. Unfortunately so did a little girl named Yang Peiyi, who was the singer at the Opening Ceremony. It breaks my heart to think of that. The world will not forget this and neither will she. It only fans the flames of young girls here in the United States who struggle with their outer beauty every day. Some even die from starving themselves to be thin. How do I know? Because I used to weigh 83 pounds with a height of 5′3″, and one day my doctor told me I was going to die due to the stress on my heart. My friends told me I looked great.
Spelunker’s “Ode to the Stepmotherland”
五星红旗迎风扇扬,
杨沛宜歌声多响亮;
歌唱咱们可爱的祖国
还踢比利时的腹腔!
越过天坛,越过鸟巢,
跨过游泳中心水立方!
宽畅美丽林妙可,
是我们亲爱的假象!
我们爱娉婷,我们爱假象!
我们上电视就不要失望!
五星红旗迎风扇扬,
杨沛宜歌声多响亮!
歌唱咱们可爱的祖国,
让林妙可提高质量!
世界看我们可爱祖国,
瞧着丫头牙口漂亮!
中国有句老话，打击别人不能太高自己，反而会暴露自己的无知，有些人总说别人是狗，其实自己连狗都不如
the 2 girls are innocent
National interest couldn’t be excuse
is that real
i m disapponited about the faked footprints fireworks
but not surpeised bout that faked singing star
[...] of some Chinese-language critiques of the children’s lip-synching incident. (Warning: Some of the critics result to salty language.) [...]
I thought both were fairly obviously faked. Personally, the fireworks wasn’t a big deal whatsoever to me and while I’m not surprised by the lip-syncing, It does suck that they were actually two different girls. I thought a pre-recording paired to live lip-syncing would be understandable to ensure no slip ups during a live performance though. Either way, the first is largely a non-issue to me but the latter is only slightly disquieting.
I wonder how some of our resident wu mao dang feel.
假的，你听的懂中文？告诉你，中国永远在我们中国人的心里，她永远在我们心里，这种诋毁不觉得幼稚吗？！Go china! Olympic refueling!
It has nothing to do with the Director. it’s the decision of some senior party official. don’t blaim the wrong person
Hi Losers
I am so surprised that there are so many people are picking on those small things by ignoring the big picture.
It is a SHOW. Do you know what does it mean by SHOW?
It is like a secondary school graduate trying to find fault of Albert Einstein’s scripts.
Give me a break. You are even qualified to criticise. Dont mix the SHOW with the GAMES.
Do you know you sound really like a LOSER?
Thanks for your post. I am amazed over this controversy. It IS a show. China was trying to ENTERTAIN the international community. They should not be embarassed on these issues.
All the performances were so highly electrified;you would rather be more smart to feel fooled~
I beg to differ with you on this. This was a “ceremony.”
Words are very important things! Below is the definition of ceremony from the Merriam Webster dictionary:
Etymology:
Middle English ceremonie, from Middle French ceremonie, from Latin caerimonia
Date:14th century
1: a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention
I will agree that what I saw was indeed a “show.”
Etymology:
Middle English shewen, showen, from Old English scēawian to look, look at, see; akin to Old High German scouwōn to look, look at, and probably to Latin cavēre to be on one’s guard
Date: 12th century
1: the act of entertaining
3 a: amusement or diversion provided especially by performers b: something diverting or engaging: as (1):
So I’m sure you can see where the difference in expectations is being derived. The International Olympic
Committee refers to them as ceremonies. That is why countries go to the expense and the world anticipates the opening ceremony in an Olympic event.
This is why we are here discussing this matter. China only gave the world a “show” not a ceremony. When the truth came out, it spread like a wildfire in the entire world. Shows gone awry don’t cause such widespread disgrace to a country.
If in fact the world was only expecting a show, why are their so many people debating it here and millions of other places all over the world?
I really think it is far too late to debate it any further. China’s face fell off. No super glue will paste it back on. If the International Olympic Committee ever gives a city in China another chance, I hope China has learned from this disgrace.
So you think Titanic, Jurassic Park, effects are real????
You also believe everything your country puts on show is real?
LOL How delusional!
“Art for art’s sake is an empty phrase. Art for the sake of the true, art for the sake of the good and the beautiful, that is the faith I am searching for.”
Gosh,
I always thought Americans are the worlds greatest sports. I thought they can take winnings and losses, but GOD, that Marta and Bela drive me up the wall complaining about everything. If the American gymnasts did not fall and tumble on easy exercises, they could claim the title. The coach should blame herself and the team instead of being a BAD sport, what a embarrassment!!!!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Losers without dignity!
When you lose, you lose with Dignity, like crying and let it out, instead of blaming others. I can understand if it’s a tiny country whining, but come on, the great USA, I thought you can take anything that comes yourself. Marta and Bela, have a little more confidence will NOT kill you!
Kennedy is a SOB, he can not get his hands off these little lady-like gossips.
[lol] let me ask you losers like Marta and Bela a simple question, with these advance technologies, do you actually believe that everything you see on TV is 100% REAL?????? It’s for entertainment for God’s sake. If you have confidence, please admit that you are a RACIST, and you are JEALOUS, and you hate chinks, that Pau did with his team with the photo. Please do NOT try to hide behind something and point at little silly things like a educationless child!
Wow, I can not believe there many ignorant children in the world.
if Pau and his team DREAM of being Asians, they will get their chance when they reincarnate next lifetime
;-)
I would LOVE to see USA basket ball team beat the Spaniards, and have the Chinese Cheer for USA and boo the spaniards. . .that will be FUN to watch
JK/Dena, I would advise not to let the green eyed monster bite, but I think it is too late :)
at issue:
1) fireworks: The real fireworks were shot, people in Beijing saw it. We saw something close to it. Had the organizers send in Helicopters to shoot the scene; you probably will scream that the pilot’s lives should never be put in danger.
2) Little girl: Use an example from a movie: there is a reason why an English actor with King’s English or a pudgy black man with a deep voice must work together to be Darth Vader. I do think the girl with the voice should be properly credited; and that’s why you even know about this lip sync.
Finally, if these details were supposed to be cover ups, you guys would probably NEVER found out. So stop making a big deal about it. Truth of it is, this is the best opening night ever in the history of the Olympics, and it puts past efforts from the supposed First World nations to shame…
Peking did not think it is entertainment, at least at the standpoint of the Chinese propaganda. You should understand of the standpoint of Peking before claiming it is a show. Everything in US is supposed to be a show. In China it is not expected to be, although we need the so-call nationalism is a fake one.
From “push-up” to fake olympic,what is next?
Was the real Mr.Hu up there,or that was simply a double,or a clone,a mini me,perhaps?
In America,
-all Fake Boobs are beauti-FUL(notice the “-” sign for emphasis)
-Fake injected full lips are beauti-FUL
-Lip Synching is wonder-FUL
-all Fake Special-effect movies are sucess-FUL
China,
-only very few recorded videos of fireworks during the ceremony is considered violation and oppression of human rights
-Lip synching is violating human rights. . . .ooooooh we are so scared
- the government is all propaganda to get us
Listen to yourselves, you are a bunch of idiots! It’s beyond ignorance
Wow, I better unsubscribe to these comments before I drown in rising tide of immature idiocy. Lousy Chinese rationalizations and retorts are just as revolting as melodramatic Western shock and outrage. All of you need to grow up. Clearly, many of you have forgotten that the Olympics were supposed to bring us together. Instead, all of you are looking for excuses to find fault in each other. Can you all please save your bickering until after the Olympics?
You think Nancy Pelosi’s face is real? She’s spent so much on botox injection it’s UNbelievable!
Britain and USA are out to get Spain for 2016 spot by exploiting the controversies of the photo. The Spaniards asked for it.
After 2008, I will watch the world using nasty tactics to bash each other in the name of olympics. . . [sigh]Humans!
;-)
To think that I actually rated them high for that opening ceremony.. Shame on ‘em. The two revealed fakes were not necessary in my view.
No, it’s not a show. Nobody complains about faking in movies, pop concerts, etc., because you know it supposed to be made-up.
Why are people upset? Because this was an official, international ceremony where Chinese officials and athletes took a vow not to cheat or lie. Obviously, nobody does that at the Oscars or in a Hollywood flick! The expectations are different.
And, China had pinned all its hopes on this. I’ve never seen a country so emotional about a Games. All these people talking about this would finally prove to the world how developed China was, about a new generation of role models for Chinese youth — nobody talks about a Mandopop concert or action film that way.
I just wrote a post about China’s PR problem. The world already suspects China of being less-than-honest, over whether it has faulty products, or censors its media, or toys with financial figures. This Olympics was one chance for China to prove to the world it could do something openly and honestly. So, while footsteps and one little girl are small deals, they signify something big. They give China critics a chance to say, “Ha. Typical.”
Why are you being a cheapskate? If you want to watch everything live, you should have bought that airplane ticket for China. Well too bad you watched it for free on TV, and you complained about advance technology and special effect? I thought you are coming from an advance technology advocate society? no?
ali baba
Dalai is the fake mini you!
;-)
I advise China to ignore these UNappreciative no-educational ignorant racists jealous and low-life beings.
Buddha please forgive them!
It’s ok, it’s almost over. Hold ON tight DEAR motherland! These monsters are trying to attack you, you are strong and you will endure the hardship. . .
If this was the USA faking everything, you running dogs would be like and be hypnotised, and you would say it’s very REAL! We are paid to say “it’s real”
Based on Ying/Yang philosophy, some controversy is good though, because good or bad news make the games more popular. I LOVE the CHINESE teams.
News of the day: The Australian official accuses British swimmers of bad hygiene
Marta and Bela: being bad sport and accuse other’s faults. . .
Then all this nonsense about lip synching.
It’s so comical when you think about it. LOL
Now, I have to give credits to some USA athletes, that is Michael Phelps, now that’s a golden boy. His
smile is genuine, and he’s the TOTAL opposite of those cocky masked cyclist. He truly represents what a good sport is all about.
China is into Basketball for the moment and not into swimming yet, but I hope the athletes will ask Phelp to be their coach in the future. . .
cheers to sports without politics
Faking is a reality in life.
Radio Germany interviewed Ai mo-mo,famous Beijing artist,who was the co-designer of Beijing’s Bird’s Nest.
http://news.boxun.com/news/gb/china/2008/08/200808140044.shtml
艾未未炮轰奥运开幕式，称张艺谋完全没有灵魂
Ai mo mo bombarded olympic ceremony,and said Zhang yi-moe is a man with no soul
所谓的直播在很多地方都是做了假的，真正唱歌的是另外一个女孩子，焰火和脚印是电脑制作出来的。中央电视台作为实况转播台与奥运艺术策划小组共同做假，欺骗世界，欺骗所有的观众
So called direct telecast were being faked in many places,the real singer was another girl,the firework and foot-steps were computer animated.CCTV,being a TV station station doing direct telecast,colluded with olympic artistic planning group,bully and deceive the world,bully and deceive all the audience.
通常说，在中国没有一次事件是偶然事件。它反映了政府一贯的策略和政治方式，那就是：能够掩盖的掩盖，能够遮挡的遮挡，来获得最愚蠢的效果。
Usually,in China all the events are well planned in advance.The government’s long tested strategy and it’s political formula,resulting in :to cover up ,to conceal and to block all the things that seem undesirable,and end up achieving the most stupid and foolish result.
“张艺谋” 我觉得，他既不是媚俗，也不是媚权，他就是一个投机者，一个完全没有灵魂的人。完全不懂得什么叫是非，什么叫最基本的艺术职业工作者对艺术的尊重，和对人的基本品质、伦理道德的尊重。他崇尚权力，做着一些令人作呕的事情。
“On Zhang yi-moe”What I feel,he is neither bad taste,nor boot licking,he is a opportunist,a person completely without soul.Completely cannot tell right from wrong,a professional artist’s basic respect towards art,he has none,the respect towards human being’s fundamental quality,towards morals and human relationship,he has none.He worship authority and power,doing things that causing people to vomit.
[sigh], faking to be tibetans protesting on a little cheap technology is a reality in life!
I realize that FAKE BOOBs rupture easily
The TV digital re-enactment of the actual fireworks is not a big deal IMHO. They should have told people at the time that it was a re-enactment, instead of 2 days later. But anyways- it’s not a huge deal.
The substitution is also not a real problem (Do you think the performers in Disneyland sing their own songs too?) The real problem is the explanation given by that artistic director, that the 7 year old girl somehow was not good looking enough to represent the nation. Now that is a heartless and cruel statement. All God’s children are beautiful. That particular girl turns out to be a thoroughly loveable and sweet little munchkin too. Those CCP cadres who told them to make the switch should be utterly ashame of themselves. They should immediately post up their own photos on the internet so we can judge whether they look good enough to represent our great nation. I strongly doubt it.
Yes, China learned her lesson big time. The last time she sent Jing Jing, a beautiful handicap girl in a wheel chai, to hold the flame, the A-hole French and a FAKE tibetan almost killed her if NOT for those flame defending heroes. The Sarkozy BASTARDs treated Jing like dirt. It was a nightmare for Jing Jing. VERY INhumane! (pardon my French.)
Imagine if China puts a little girl who’s not perfect up on stage, the French and other followers will attack her similar to how they attacked Jing Jing except not physically but emotionally.
Just imagine the kind of horror little Peiyi would have to endure as a seven year old. She’s better off this way, because both Peiyi and Miaoke work perfectly as a team!
Jing Jing was abused for being handicap.
Look at the horrible emotional suffering the world has created for Miaoke, poor little girl. She’s already emotionally abused by the world for being beautiful.
Yo Kennedy,
I am taking back what I said earlier (in another thread) about you turning a new leaf in siding with quality to stop GVO from descending into a road rage forum.
I guess people don’t call you a Canadian fry cook for nothing. You get my point, right?
Anyhow, one thing that is reassuring about all them Chinky-Bashing, to quote you buddy Knights, is that they highlight the rising importance of China or Chinkyland as your buddy Knights so endearing calls it.
It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when people are willing to pick the corn out of our shit to make all kind of issues with it.
Yeah, when we were dirty poor 20 or 30 years ago, nobody gave a rat’s ass about China. And now every Special Olympic reject under the sun wants to give his or her two cents about the “ills” that plague Chinkyland.
It is true what they say in the old Chinese proverb, 樹大召風, the bigger you are the more crap you are going to catch (my colorful translation). Yeah, Chinkyland is a big boy now, and its detractors are going to come out of the wood works.
Do you know, I am perfectly fine with that. People can pick all the corn out of our shit if they want. But god damn, when I go back and look at how many heads of state and royalty attended the Opening Ceremony. It sure tells you something loud and clear, don’t it?
http://tinyurl.com/5a7mj7
I am going to leave the indignant comments and response to those who hasn’t realized this simply little thing. Anyhow, Kennedy thanks for reminding me of it.
I am going a back to watching the games, and I will root for Adam Wong when he gives his best.
I reiterate:
I really think it is far too late to debate it any further. China’s face fell off. No super glue will paste it back on. If the International Olympic Committee ever gives a city in China another chance, I hope China has learned from this disgrace.
If an intellectual conversation can not be held here, I will unsubscribe. Name calling! Racial slurs!?! I will not return to this thread. You may talk amongst yourselves.
@Dena
Most people just ignore the trolls, I think.
Dena,
I wonder how much do you know about intellect after I read your comment #43.
I have learned how to use “one stone to hit two birds”.
Here,thinking positively, I further enhanced to learn “how to use one stone to hits 4 or more birds”.
Bird one: nine year-old Lin Miaoke,
Bird Two: seven year-old Yang Peiyi,
Bird Three: Great Performance and entertainment
Bird Four: Fame and popular
Bird Five: A hot topic for blog and news
Bird Six: John Kennedy :-)
Bird Seven…and so many include for “Human Right” and “freedom”….etc
What a great and creative by China. All of them have gained from this wonderful performance…. :-)
Even for those who want to make use of this negatively
A Chinese chap named “booth” at MyClub2.com seems to believe my song “Ode to the Stepmotherland” is an inaccurate transliteration:
最让我气愤的是：歌唱祖国，他们翻译成“Ode to the Stepmotherland” 要知道祖国是motherland, stepmother可是继母的意思，还说什么让很多人感动得热泪盈眶的小女孩唱歌（歌唱祖国）原来是演“双簧”的假唱
http://www.myclub2.com/bbs/sameid.asp?owner=A001&topid=9011526
I’m glad to see more friends in China are visiting Global Voices to obtain information currently not accessible through mainland media.
I think the opening ceremony is the best one that i’ve ever seen
I’m enjoying the Olympics. I’m going to two events this week in Hong Kong. And my family and I are Chinese. But that doesn’t mean that nobody can criticize anything. Pointing out PR problems, fakery and issues doesn’t make someone “less Chinese” or “less understanding.” You can be Chinese in your heart, and still discuss problems. I loved the Opening Ceremonies, but I still admit that China did not handle the “fireworks” and “little girl” issues very well from a media/PR point of view.
I’ve never posted comments on Global Voices Online, and I’m surprised at the anger, insults and lack of logic here. Did #41 mean to argue that a less pretty little girl would have been attached by protesters? I hardly think so. “Western Running dog?” In Hong Kong, we haven’t heard that sort of language used seriously for decades.
By staging such an enormous Opening Ceremony, by making major deals with overseas TV stations, China WANTED the world to pay attention to it. Inevitably, there would be both positive and negative reaction — that’s just the way the world works.
No, people are not nitpicking just because it’s China. Americans criticize America all the time. God knows the Brits love criticizing England. But at least in most places, people can do it without being shouted down or censored.
http://news.boxun.com/news/gb/pubvp/2008/08/200808130612.shtml
陈破空:是中共的奥运，不是人民的奥运
Chan pueo-kung:It’s CCP’s olympic,not chinese people’s olympic
开幕式当晚，北京街头肃静得出奇，与鸟巢内的热烈气氛形成截然对照，也与历届奥运会在他国举办时，主办城市的热闹、喧嚣和狂欢，形成鲜明对照。原来，中共军警早已把民众隔绝在从外围到中心的京城四道封锁线之外，不得接近。
On the night of olympic openning ceremony,Beijing main streets were strangely in deep silence,in absolute contrast to the fanatic atmosphere of carnival inside the Bird’s Nest.When olympic were held in other nations,the staging cities were full of people,noisy and strong emotion,and near crazy celebration.Beijing?Wow,the police and the military had set up 4 lines of blockade,and kept ordinary folks outsde.Beijing has become unapproachable.
京奥开幕前夕，媒体曾报道有民众在北京”漏夜排队”、”抢购奥运门票”。北京居民披露：所谓”漏夜排队”，不过是当局筛选和安排的人马，都是”群众演员”，没有门路的普通民众，都被警方”巧妙地”排除在队列之外。有道是：没有军队和警察，中共一天也活不下去。如今，又可谓：没有演员和道具，中共一天也活不下去。
On the eve of olympic opening ceremony,media had reported that folks in Beijing formed “long line of overnight queue” “rushing to buy up olympic tickets”.Beijing folks revealed:So called “long line of overnight queue”,nothing but those actors picked and arranged by the government,the real folks were “cleverly”kept out of the queue.Some one had said:CCP cannot last one day without military and police.Today,it can be said,CCP cannot last one day without actors and props.
当局曾宣布，700余万张奥运门票全部售罄，然而，进入奥运赛事后，所有场馆均呈现大片空座位！面对如此奇景，谁还不明白：当局为了所谓”安全”，宁愿让半数座位成空！对照上届雅典奥运会94%的入座率，北京奥运，再度创下奥运纪录：空座位纪录！
Official had declared:7 millions plus of tickets all sold,well,when the game actually started,all the venues have massive numbers of empty seats!Looking at these amazing and strange scenes,everybody will understand:In order to have a so called” safe “olympic,it is better to let 50% of the seats empty!To compare with the previous Athens Olympic’s 94% filled seats,Beijing Olympic,had made another olympic record:the record of empty seats!
北京奥运开幕式，就是中国问题的完整呈现：虚假，腐败，独裁。丑闻满天，洋相出尽。难怪，连鸟巢本身的设计者艾未未（红色诗人艾青之子）都拒绝出席京奥开幕式，理由是：中共统治近60年，中国依然是极权国家，他耻与为伍。
Beijing olimpic opening ceremony,is the whole reflection of CHINA’s problems:empty and fake,corruption,dictatorship.Ugly gossips everywhere,losing face in front of outsiders.No wonder,even the original designer of Bird’s Nest Ai wei-wei(son of red poet Ai Chin) refused to attend the opening ceremony,reasons?CCP rules China near 60 years,China remains a absolute authority state,he is ashamed to be an associate of CCP.
ali baba, are you muslim or indian? if yes, I am NOT suprised
Dena,
Since you insist we can not glue our faces back on, we might as well give you what you have been asking for all this time. Hey you deserve it!
@ Joyce Hor-Chung Lau, who said: “Western Running dog?” In Hong Kong, we haven’t heard that sort of language used seriously for decades.
Not true, Joyce. We heard it most recently in October 2007, when Martin Lee was endearingly referred to as the “running dog of colonialists” for writing an article in the WSJ in which he appealed to the US to use the Olympics to pressure China on human rights…
http://zonaeuropa.com/20071026_1.htm
-> If an intellectual conversation can not be held here, I will unsubscribe. Name calling! Racial slurs!?! I will not return to this thread. You may talk amongst yourselves.
————
LOL…I don’t think JK’s purpose of having these sort of threads are for intellectual or useful conversation. Next time, remember if you chose to diss people, expect to be shoved back…The golden rule applies here I think.
—————
-> Most people just ignore the trolls, I think.
Naa…feed the troll…That’s what we are doing with your articles/talking points anyway. :)
I am amused by comment #10 above: “Olympic refueling!”
Are the diligent Chinese commenters finally running out of gas?
Fake fireworks, fake singer, fake minorities…what’s next? Fake passports for 14 year old Chinese gymnasts?
You knew I was going there!
By the way, be careful when you research the current Chinese gymnast controversy; I tried Googling the term “Chinese underage girls” and got some adult websites not related to the Beijing Olympics.
“假的，你听的懂中文？告诉你，中国永远在我们中国人的心里，她永远在我们心里，这种诋毁不觉得幼稚吗？！Go china! Olympic refueling!”
对全世界说:是的,我们就是中国人! Yes, we’re Chinese. Envy us!
中国! 加 油 !!!
The Lip Synching is NOT offending to the girls at all, but the harrassments of the world about this itsy bitsy minute incident have caused trauma for both girls. Poor kids, they will NEVER EVER watch CNN again for the rest of their lives. ;-D
Ha! Wei (#56) hit the nail right on the head.
All Kennedy is doing is stirring up shit, encourage mud flinging, and turn GVO into a road rage forum.
So lame.
Go Olympic !! Go China !!! Go Asia !!! Go Peace for The World !!!
http://bbs.people.com.cn/forumSearch.do?title=&tt=&user=&ut=0&filesize=&ft=&keywords=&threadtype=-1&select=0&select2=0&textfield=&stime=2008-08-08+20%3A02&etime=2008-08-10+07%3A03&x=43&y=12&pageNo=256
To Mulan:Above link is 强國論坛,I quite often go there and read comments.Tianya.cn and kdnet BBS are also my favorites.To tell you the truth,on these three major mainland Chinese forums,majority of the netizens that post regularly are much more mature then you are.
Below are a few of their comments.Let me remind you that these are the left over after the chinese censorship.If ever Chinese CCP stop its censorship,I believe the content will be much more colorful.
犯了老谋子的一贯毛病，只见场面、华丽色彩，没有内涵和精神！ ( 李晓明 2008-08-08 22:13:27 ) 0字 ( 1/26/1 )
Old Mo is up to his old tricks again,only looks good outside,shiny and bright color,no inner capacity and spirit!
12781. 這個是敗筆。 ( 中國吉祥 2008-08-08 22:13:22 ) 0字 ( 0/2/0 )
This is a failure.
12782. 开幕式印象：1，声光色用到极限，场面很花哨；2，开幕式节目不感动人，犹如喝了一杯馊茶水；3，张艺谋太没有文化了！ ( 222.212.108 2008-08-08 22:13:21 ) 0字 ( 0/374/0 )
Opening ceremony impression:(1) Sound,light,color are being used to the extreme,only looks flowerly and trendy.(2)Opening ceremony programs do not make people feel anything at all,fell like just drank a cup of stale tea.(3)Zhang yi-mo is absolutely lack of culture.
Mulan,empty talk,cursing,yelling,will not convince anyone at all.
ali baba,
Your above comment definitely convinced me and shown clearly to everyone that “there is Freedom of Speech in China”.
This definitely Does Not prove your comment on a “mature-ness” of a person.
Please learn how to show respect, wake up and grow up, ali baba
haterade is not gatorade!
To chan,
Lets be fair,”there is freedom of speech in China”.Yes,I totally agree with you.
But,how free?free to what extent?
Westerner has the freedom to vote against the ruling government,and kick them out of the office.It is called one man one vote.
1.3 billion Chinese?
Let me cut n paste another comment from people.com
伟大的美国队一入场，满堂喝彩、掌声雷动，整个鸟巢都沸腾啦！中国人民永远的朋友、永远的兄弟，美国人来啦！真正是中美团结如一人，试看天下谁能敌？ ( 把弄国粹30 2008-08-08 22:30:10 ) 12字 ( 0/113/2 )
As soon as the Great team of USA enters,the whole stadium cheer,thunderous clapping and applauses,the whole stadium is boiling !Here come the Americans,Chinese people’s friends forever,brothers forever!The truth is,when China and USA stand together in solidarity,no one would dare to be our enemy under the sky!
12528. 美国万岁! ( 红色资本家 2008-08-08 22:30:10 ) 0字 ( 0/15/0 )
LONG LIVE USA !
Mulan ,so_damn_lame and all the other so called “I love China” bloggers here at GVO,may be you guys got it all wrong? Netizens at the official Chinese Communist Party are cheering Long Live USA,and you guys here are doing the opposite.
拍馬屁拍在馬脚上.
ali bab(a)(y),
I do NOT think there’s anything wrong the Chinese cheered for USA, sport is sport, and they are being great sports. You put your hate aside, and you cheer for whatever team of sport you love. I love sports myself, and I do not see colors when it comes to sport. When unfair and nonsense allegations and accusations is done to CHINA, it’s my duty as a Chinese to speak out for her.
I can bash China however I want, because I am Chinese, but you can not. That’s just life, deal with it!
Quote:”I can bash China however I want, because I am Chinese, but you can not. That’s just life, deal with it!”Unquote.
To reply you,I can only say you are a complete lier,and a complete loser too.
Yes,you can bash China,only because you post your comment here at GVO,only because you live in the west.Try go to live inside China and go to Tianya.cn or kdnet.cn,and post your “bash China”comments,you will find out it is no longer fun.In very short time,the “Great Motherland” People’s Liberation Army will knock on your front and back door and “liberate” you.
Stop being childish and hypocrite,all you Wo Mao Dang.
“Sport is sport”?
Sport is not sport,you miserable little lier!
Now listen to your big Daddy Communist big bosses,at the big communist official web site:www.people.com.cn,where big brother Hu jin-tao often go online,on this big night of lavish cerebration of the Great Motherland’s debut onto World Stage:
向伟大的美利坚合众国致敬! ( 中华是我亲爱的家 2008-08-08 22:30:15 ) 0字 ( 0/51/0 )
Salute to the United States of America!
夜色中，空军一号威严的黑蓝色变幻的高高的机头，比过整个开幕式。 ( 星逝夜潭 2008-08-08 22:37:27 ) 0字 ( 0/184/0 )
In the darkness of the night,the solemn and powerful profile of Air Force One,its dark blue color changes kaleidoscopically,has outdone the entire opening ceremony.
鸟巢，就是民意的真正体现：美国队一入场，全场中国观众自觉或不自觉站立鼓掌、欢呼，一霎那，发自心底的欢欣响彻整个鸟巢 ( 把弄国粹30 2008-08-08 22:42:51 ) 59字 ( 0/145/5
Bird Nest,is the true expression of public opinion:As soon as the USA team enter,ALL the Chinese audience stand up clapping,cheering,on that single moment,the whole Bird Nest is filled with cheering from the bottom of the hearts.
Mulan,has all these comments ever has a single “sport” inside?
Time to learn how to “love America” from now on,Mulan,don’t make your big Brother at Beijing angry.
I created Tianya.cn and kdnet.cn, and I am so proud of them
So far I’ve heard so many comments, here and elsewhere, implying that China’s missteps are simply not a big deal. They certainly are.
China should be ashamed of replacing such a lovely young girl with someone they consider more lovely. They should also be ashamed, if it turns out to be true, of sending underage gymnasts to the Olympics. Maybe it’s not a big deal…I know Alicia Sacramone (of the US team) said she doesn’t care, that it won’t affect the rest of the gymnasts (and clearly it didn’t, as we saw Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson obliterate the Chinese competition last night), but it does matter…it shows China not to be truthful - just as we all expected.
@Jilian
If you call last night’s victory margin an obliteration, then during the team competition, Americans must have all fell on their faces during the team competition.
It’s even funnier that some people suggests that Chinese men wouldn’t have done so well if Paul Hamm was there(nevermind that his gold four years ago was given to him by the Judges).
That’s American Gymnastics ethics for you ;)
As for the rest, no matter what China does, you will say something about it; so it is expected…and ignored by the average Chinese - who are much more satisfied with the way their country is going than Americans.
BTW, great performances by the American girls last night. It is just too bad that people like to use the performance as a political tool.
子以四教：文、行、忠、信
Zhang yi-mou is both a boot licker and a lier.He spent billions of Chinese money to create an illusion,telling the world that this Mother Land is stepping into the most glorious chapter in her history.But Zhang yi-mou is no David Copperfield.Far from it.
(1)Zhang used paper invention and block printng as proof of Chinese cultural supremacy,and paraded it in front of the world,and succeded in creating yet another cresendo of ultra Chinese nationalism.
But wait,Chinese of the world,has forgoton to ask themselves one simple question:What have we done after so many years?Have we contribute anything towards humanity,after these inventions of paper,block printing,gun powder and compass?Thousands of years had passed since!
(2)Zhang yi-mou get massive numbers of actors,dressed as ancient Han scholars,chanting Confucius teaching.That is fine.Very culture.Very Zhang yi-mou.
But sadly,Zhang yi-mou completely misinterpreted Confucius teaching.Because he had not received classical Confucius teaching when he was young,and did not learn any Confucius teaching ever since.
子以四教：文、行、忠、信(translate:4 basic Confucius teachings)
(a)文:Culture,which Zhange understand very little.The fact that the whole of the opening ceremony was concentrating only on CHINESE is very obvious that he is ignoring the other 3/4 of humanity,because he had forgotten that OLYMPIC belongs to the world.
(b)行:Deeds.His movies “Hero” says it all,because he worships Power,Violence,Salvage,Killings.All these characters have got nothing to do with Confucius.
(c) 忠: Loyalty.On this one he may have scored a point;at least he is very loyal to his BOSS.
(d)信:Trust.His score is ZERO.After these fake singing,fake fireworks,would anyone trust him anymore?
It may be a scandal. But unlike Clinton’s Legwinski affair, at least this time the authorities doesn’t go out and deny them.
Well, maybe we are all disappointed and so to the mainland citizens. But we need to know what separates a valiant and a coward is how they face the blame (or scandal). And those who admits or remain silence can consider as a valiant no matter how ugly is the incident.
@ali baba #65
Your comment #65 agian shown that Chinese known what is Respect. You still need more learning about Confucius and grow up. The knowledge about Confucius is not just simply knowing how to write some Chinese characters by you.
About the “horse back side”, i think that suit you more, that’s your taste.
Your pychological haresment is just a laughter to me. :-)
It is not a big event that the little girl is lip-syncing. Even there was another girl pretending to play piano with the pianist Lang Lang at the opening ceremony. It is just a show, nothing surprising at all.
-> The fact that the whole of the opening ceremony was concentrating only on CHINESE is very obvious that he is ignoring the other 3/4 of humanity,because he had forgotten that OLYMPIC belongs to the world.
I wonder how many Olympics Cer. you have seen ali baba?
Openning ceramonies are by tradition, an exploration of the culture/history of the HOST.
Wei:Olympic is about sports,and sports is about a single person’s personal achievement.
Muhammad Ali,lit the Olympic torch at 1996 Atlanta Olympic.He was suffering from parkingson disease,his body was trembling and hardly could walk.No matter,he received a standing ovation and all round appluse.That had got nothing to do with Culture,and all to do with Muhammad Ali’s personal achievement.Muhammad Ali,a muslim,was known as Cassius Clay,was regarded as a Hero,a great sports person loved by the world.When Ali was punching white opponents with his “Float like a butterfly,sting like a bee” tactic,the blacks,brown,yellow,and of course Muslims,all love him,and regarded him as their hero,fighting the Whites for them.
Ali was given a replacement gold medal,because he had thrown his 1960 gold medal into the Ohio river after being refused service at a ‘whites-only’ restaurant.
Zhang yi-mou do not know what is “spirit of sports”,because Communist China’s sports program is different to the rest of the world.Communist China select children at primary schools and put them through concentration camp style training,while western people take up sports because they themselves love it,no one force them to do so.And if they fail to get a medal,they still have a job to go to,because they received normal education at the same time.
Yes,Chinese have Li ning,Yeo Ming,great.
But what about those children,those 2nd rate,3 rd rate,4,5,6,rate sports persons,who were put through high power,intensive sports only training,who have missed out on a normal education as a child,who cannot find a job because nobody wants them.
You have one Li Ning,but you produce tens of thousands of non-Li Ning,who could not find another job,because they cannot do nothing else beside jumping up and down.
Has the society care for them?Has Zhang Yi-mou mention them at all?
Chinese build billion dollars sports stadiums,fine,they have the cash,why not?
But what about schools at rural areas?Do they have normal sports facilities for the children?Or put it this way,do they have normal classrooms at all?I hope people have not forgotten the Tofu school buildings in Sichuen earth quake.After all it happened in 20-May,only 3 months ago.
Dena, why the phony ‘outrage’ ? such trivials matters are nothing to be \ashame/shamefull\ for the Chinese. for sure, there are genuine concerns, but for others,they’re just anti-cpc trolls. And yes, the overwhelming majority of chinese do support the \ fakery\ as necessary, due to the circumstances
Chan:I admit I do not know much about Confucius teaching,I am still learning.
Put it this way,all the schools in South Korea,Japan,Taiwan,and nearly all the schools in South East Asia have basic Confucius teaching,namely 忠,孝,仁,爱,礼,義,廉,耻.
Do the education department of China’s school curriculum include this very basic of Confucius teaching?
When the Communist Chinese schools refuse to give Confucius teaching to students,and yet Zhang yi-mou is parading Confucius to the whole world in the opening ceremony,isn’t it a joke of the century?
交流是沟通的最好方法,我相信所有人都不会是恶意的.
@ ali baba
Care to know how many black man die in the streets young and how many made it as Ali/Jordan/Kobe in the States?
Did Atlanta openning Cer show Gang wars? Or even mention that they closed blocks and blocks of low income housing units to build the Atheletic Dorms?
Either you are ignorant or just biased. Take your pick.
its obvious there’s lots of china bashing going here…
(1)To the american gymnists that lost the team event… that’s ok if you lose, but whats all that crap on slandering the chinese team, claiming that they’re underaged etc etc. You know they trained hard, and they kicked your ass. Eat it and accept that fact.
When the Chinese lose they don’t go and bullshit about the other winning teams. So who is being untruthful here?
i think, no I’m SURE, those americans who commented, need to grow up… a bunch of sore losers….
(2) Yes, China is a developing country., of course there’s a lot of shit going on in their country. Of course China is not perfect… so what??
to those whingers…. you complain… but do YOU have a solution, can you solve the problem? do you know about china? DO you even know the problems in China? If you don’t, shut the F*** up.
(3) You can talk about freedom and humna rights… but is that what you do? IS that how you treat the Iraqi civilans?
First of all , practise what you preach.
Come on.. its bloody obvious… every country to herself. If you are Chinese, then don’t bother listening to any other country… cos they’re only there to screw you over.
Wei:
Are you Chinese?Do you have a Chinese name?
If you are Chinese,and have a Chinese name,well,(1)If US of A did not send 飛虎隊(Flying Tiger) to China during 2nd world war, (2)If US of A did not drop the 2 A-bombs on Japan,I am quite sure today your name might be Hadamato,or sukiyaki,or something similar.
Think of it,Wei Chin Chong Chinaman,飲水思源,when you are drinking water,never forget who dug the well.
Sorry about the ChinChong bit,no foul meaning.
Ali baba,
LOL…Now you are just a racist :)
Funny how the moderators let you off with this one…I’m sure if I use the n word for blacks, the post would not have been shown. Doesn’t take that much of a push huh to get you to show your true colors?
BTW, if you want to talk about WWII(which was not our topic), had the best of japanese army was not tied up in China, I’m sure US would not be in a position to drop the 2 bombs in Japan. US does nothing for free you know(nothing wrong with that but somehow people like you forget this every once in a while).
BTW, I pay more taxes, vote more often, and knows more American history than the average American; but I am quite proud of the name my father gave me…
BTW, why did you change the topic of discussion? ;)
I don’t like this guy John Kennedy, he seems so happy to criticize China. Actually as a person, as a human being, we may need to respect and mutual respect each other better. If all this comes out of jealousy and bias, I feel so sad. Please stop your acts here. I love Chinese.