This is why I believe that it is VERY IMPORTANT as a comedian to pick your targets carefully. Comedy that mocks needlessly and even worse targets the weak is cowardly and selfish. Not that TMZ is engaging in something as lofty as satire but I always think of this Molly Ivins quote in situations like this. (Which pretty much means whenever I spend too much time in comedy clubs.)
When satire is aimed at the powerless, it is not only cruel -- it's vulgar. --- Molly Ivins
It's not as if Charlyne Yi is the type of celebrity that needs to be taken down a peg. I would guess that most people walking by her didn't even know that it was her. (No offense, Charlyne.)
Now admittedly, I don't know that much about Oxfam, but thanks to this video I'm gonna go check them out, and try to get some good out of this. Yuck, TMZ. Totally YUCK!!!
*UPDATE: I just found a link that questions Charlyne's story, basically saying it may be a Joaquin Phoenix style hoax designed to get Oxfam more publicity. Well clearly it is working but DAAAAAAAMN! Special thanks to Sacha Baron Cohen for making it impossible to take anyone at face value.
