Recently, big news of the entire globe was the 2008 Olympics. One of the major and controversial topics discussed was the voice over of a young Chinese girl. People everywhere were debating the ethical, the social and the mental consequences of that very action. The Chinese government chose one little girl to physically appear in the Olympic ceremony, but another was actually performing the music and the entire reason for this action, one girl had a prettier face than the other. Young ladies had white teeth, however, one had nice straight white teeth and the other did not, with few other differences, the perfect smile won. Through out the past few years, China’s beauty queens, gymnastics, and others in competitions, had, for the most part, the “perfect” face with white teeth.
Appearances seem to be one of importance to the Chinese people. It seems more of a pride of putting forth their best effort rather than vain pride. The Chinese people seem to put their all in everything for the “good” of their government, not, to outdo one another with being the best dressed or having the whitest smile. It is important to the Chinese individual not to disgrace their country, and, well, it appears having a bright smile with straight white teeth was a major concern to the republic.
Then why the outrage to the substitution of this young performer? I think the majority of persons were concerned that the young lady’s pride would be insulted and be depressed that she was hidden from view. Here in the United States, we have been guilty of the same “sin” by doing the very same thing, only, our reason was for money. The cinema used voice over’s for the pretty face and white smile years and years ago. There are many performers who lip sync on stage during a performance even today. There have been the scandals right here in the good old United States of America for the exact, same practice. So why the cry of protest, again, I think because a 7 year old little girl was involved.
There is nothing like bringing a young child into question with the perception of mistreatment, to bring out the most outrage and noble intentions of our population. Wasn’t that little girl cute? Why of course she was adorable. Didn’t this young lady have a beautiful voice? Yes, she has a voice strong and poetic, especially impressive for a 7 year old. She had white teeth and a cute, naive, childish face that caught many a heart. What was wrong with the looks of this young child? The world cried outrage, abuse, mistreatment, all crying for the purity youth and preservation of innocence.
Does the world, especially the adult world behave any differently? Look at our public faces, our politicians, our beauty queens, and so forth and so on, they take great pains with Esthetics, especially their smiles. Have you ever seen one of these people with yellow, stained teeth? Have you ever seen a beauty contest winner or the anchor on a major news network without white teeth? Why it is no small wonder that so many dollars are spent on teeth whitening applications. It is no surprise that there are so many different possibilities and means to get your teeth their whitest.
Well folks, we cried out. The Chinese government did not cover the fact and try to brush the truth under the rug. They explained the reason for their choice of one little girl with a good voice for another little girl with the more esthetic face. Both girls have gained recognition for their talents and both have been viewed by the world. These two little girls love their country and were proud to do their part in the Olympics. Indeed, whiter teeth, prettier smile, the more appealing face won in China.
