The Olympic Spirit?

I've been somewhat indifferent to the Olympics this year. Sure, the whole Michael Phelps phenomenon is interesting, and I've watched some of the other matches, but I can't say I'd miss the Olympics if they went away.

But now I'm getting my feathers ruffled. I've read the news bits about boycotting the Olympics, and I knew about the whole China/Tibet issue and the other sordid things going on before the games began. These things troubled me, but I didn't think not watching the Olympics was really the answer. Then, a couple days ago, this story was released. Outright deception, and for what? The sake of image on the international stage? Because I'm sorry, but replacing a cute child who can sing with a more physically "idealized" version of a Chinese child who can lip-sync does NOT promote a harmonious image of China. It promotes the image of a deceptive, image-obsessed China.

Today, this story was released, claiming He Kexin (one of the gymnasts on the gold-medal winning gymnastics team) is too young to be eligible for the Olympics. They found this information from a Chinese news agency, who has since made the story with said evidence disappear. "Chinese authorities insist" that the girl is of age. Oh, well. If they insist.

You know how you wanted the Olympics to promote a fresh, new image, China? Well, you're steadily reinforcing old stereotypes by your behavior, teaching the international community that you can't be trusted. Why should we believe that you're telling the truth about this, when you've used so many different tactics to cover up other things?