Political Propriety
May 22, 2007 | Filed under Asian-ness, Media, Politics
My father and I were discussing today which music artists would be invited by the PRC government to perform at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies. It started off as mild speculation of course, but soon developed into something more serious – a realisation that there’s really no one who’s appropriately politically correct enough, but popular enough, to appear as a representative of Communist China.
The world’s eyes will be on China and their presentation and organisation of the Olympics for those two weeks in 2008. Everything done will be fully analysed in the media and taken as a sign of how the Chinese see themselves. For that reason, the government truly can’t choose:
- Anyone who’s been blacklisted for inappropriate conduct
- Hong Kong/Cantonese music artists
- Taiwanese music artists
Anyone’s who’s been blacklisted: This might be a result of expressing differing political views, or even supporting someone else who has. A-Mei is an example, as is the deceased Anita Mui and the ‘father of Chinese rock’ Cui Jian. Unfortunately, considering the strict censors in China (which are, admittedly, more lax now), that rules out a large number of potential performers.
Hong Kong/Cantonese artists: Despite the fact it’s been a decade since the handover of Hong Kong back to the PRC, the two are still very very much separated. China might like to advertise themselves as a unified country, however the truth still remains that the Hong Kong natives still look down on people from the mainland. The mainlanders still mistrust the Cantonese. It’s not simply a difference of language…it’s a difference of outlook on life, political behaviour, and attitude towards the outside world as well. The Cantonese embrace foreign influences. The Chinese try to stay clear of them.
Taiwanese music artists: That’s fairly self-explanatory. With the current political issues surrounding the true political status of Taiwan, and whether it’s legimately part of China, the government are hardly going to risk a potential embarrassment like the one the Howard Government had as a result of Midnight Oil’s perfomance at the 2000 Closing Ceremony (see under “International Success and Activism”). Take a chance that a Taiwanese artist might suddenly pronounce their stance regarding Taiwanese independence? Never! It’s a pity though, as all the best-selling and most popular artists in China of the past few years are all pretty much Taiwanese.
It makes you wonder who the government will pick. I’m willing to put money on them having only the artists that 60+ year olds listen to (think the Chinese equivalent of Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand…), or otherwise, basing the whole ceremony around traditional Beijing Opera. It’s a pity though, as I believe that China has some truly spectacular modern Chinese music to show to the world…yet they’ll probably refrain for political reasons.
Also posted on the cpop LiveJournal community.
7 Responses to Political Propriety
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Woot woot. good entry.
Hmmm.. can see what you mean, but atleasy elva hsiao from tw won’t go, hope that bitch is blacklisted, and jay chao, oh god, those two fuck me off! More so, elva.. cant stand her! her music is so “gag” and she so westernized *tears* anyway, thx for calling moi sexy, im so hot~! hahaha
Dakota on May 22, 2007 #
Remember the music concert in 1997 handover? Probably be something like that – bet it will involve lots and lots and LOTS of little children singing instead =)
Mish on May 22, 2007 #
I don’t know much (or anything at all actually) about Chinese music and I would love to see some modern music from PRC at the Olympics.
But I think you’re right; they probably will really reconsider who they’ll ask to perform there and it might not be what the world wants to see and hear…
Chans on May 22, 2007 #
I’d probably only watch the opening ceremony if your dad is right and the sky kings sing. Jacky FTW! If they do, they’d probably make them sing something in Mandarin.
On the other hand, if there is going to be Beijing Opera, I will refuse to turn my television on. Or if mum wants to watch it, I will hide upstairs with a pillow over my head.
Tracey on May 22, 2007 #
Sports are boring so I hope I won’t have to watch much of the Olympics. I know that there is a lot of great Chinese artists so hopefully they get a chance to be heard.
Nan on May 22, 2007 #
hmm I thought they’ve had HK & Taiwanese stars perform at the New Year’s Festival thing…. which needs to be approved by the Government? But then those are less “international” I guess. But Leon was originally from China! Actually, Faye Wong would be better… or someone like Na Ying – who is about the only singer I know from China!
kat on May 23, 2007 #
I don’t follow this very closely so I’m wondering if there have been any developments yet? Has it been announced who will perform at the opening ceremony?
Tansui on July 10, 2008 #