It's come to this...

Chinese double act
A little girl who sang at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics was miming to a song recorded by a less "pretty" girl.

Apparently, Lin Miaoke charmed the world with a rendition of "Ode to the Motherland". But the singer was Yang Peiyi, who was not allowed to appear because she is not as "flawless" as nine-year-old Lin. The show's musical director said Lin was used because it was in the best interests of the country. The revelation follows news that a fireworks display used during the opening ceremony was apparently faked.

Speaking on Beijing Radio station, musical director Chen Qigang said the organisers needed a girl with both a good image and a good voice. They faced a dilemma because although Lin was prettier, seven-year-old Yang had the better voice, Mr Chen said. "After several tests, we decided to put Lin Miaoke on the live picture, while using Yang Peiyi's voice," he told the radio station.

The above were selected quotes from what is an old story now. It's an article from the BBC dated Tuesday, 12th August:

What is interesting is that this issue provoked a raging debate on the internet. Apparently, children lip-synching upsets people. When a little girl is deemed too ugly to represent her country, all hell breaks loose. Yet the same society refuses to condemn plastic surgery and the objectifying of women. Society today has totally embraced the blatant sexualisation of women to the point where they represent little more than a shell. And the same people criticise China for considering a young child ugly as being insensitive?

When Britney Spears cavorts and prances on our television screens (not that this Yeshiva boy has access to one, btw) is it because she is trying to entice us into sitting down with her and deliberate the meaning of life or discuss rocket science over a nice cup of tea? No, of course not! It is because she reckons her body to be the best thing about her. How sad is that?

So when the Western World feels affronted by China's lack of sensitivity and level of respect to humankind, well there is one phrase that springs to mind: " Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!"