The ugly duckling with a swan’s voice

China’s preoccupation with face (mianzi) has two faces, but only one voice.

For the “national interest,” Yang Peiyi (l) was replaced with Lin Maoke during the opening ceremonies because “the child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feeling and expression,” according to the music designer.

You can read the New York Times article, In Grand Olympic Show, Some Sleight of Voice, for more information.

I just feel sad for both of these innocents.