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An ongoing debate at events sponsored by the World Forum Foundation is the appropriateness of using children as entertainers. Some argue that putting children on stage to entertain adults is nothing short of child exploitation. Others believe that allowing children to perform traditional music and dance honors both children and their parents. Over the years, the World Forum Foundation has chosen to look to cultural traditions of the country where an event is being held for guidance in selecting entertainment.

However, it appears that the Olympics have raised the debate about exploiting childhood to a new level:

First, producers of the Opening Ceremony decided 15 minutes before the ceremonies to replace 7-year-old Yang Peiyi, who was scheduled to sing "I Sing For My Country." They instead chose 9-year-old Lin Miaoke to lip-synch to Yang's recording. The switch was made, on orders from the Communist Party's Political Bureau, because Lin looked better on television while Yang had a better voice.

Second, in the US, NBC ran a commercial for McDonalds which shows a young boys' soccer team celebrating their victory while the losing team watches them receive their trophy with hangdog expressions. However, a parent arrives with McDonalds happy meals for all the players on the losing team, so now they celebrate and the winning team drops the trophy and looks on enviously. Interesting message in an era where childhood obesity is a serious national problem.

Finally, we learned about the Chinese system for preparing their gymnasts. They are identified as early as 4 and 5 years old and are moved into training camps. There, they train for hours every day and are taken care of by women who serve as surrogate parents. They eat in cafeterias, where they often use one bowl and one plate, washing them after every meal. They sleep in communal bedrooms, often in bunk beds. If they are lucky, the young ones see their parents on weekends, but that is not guaranteed.

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For a thoughtful perspective on issues in protecting childhood, check out Jim Greenman's popular, Places for Childhoods: Making Quality Happen in the Real World. This exceptional book demonstrates how centers can face real-world challenges and make quality care a reality. Special selections authored by recognized child care experts enhance this collection of updated articles written by Jim Greenman for Exchange. Readers will be empowered by new ideas on how to make child care programs work for children, families, and staff.

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