Entertainment At The Expense Of Others

[Totus Tuus]

I'm not sure exactly how to word this, so bear with me.

You know how we often are amused at the expense of others? I don't feel like there's a moral issue laughing at someone who falls down IF they are laughing at themselves and you're laughing with them, for example (things along those lines I see as fine and not an issue).

But what about things like spreading videos of Miss Teen South Carolinas unbearable pageant answer (the implication being that she is dumb), or comically mocking politicians (a widely accepted practice which, if directed at "bad" candidates, could help candidates with good moral values win, say). These are things that I've always felt are a grey area. For some reason they bother me. My conscience kind of sparks up when humor comes at the expense of someone who clearly wouldn't WANT that type of attention focused on themselves (I'm sure Miss Teen SC just wanted the world to forget what she said, not watch it on YouTube millions of times).

I am not saying I don't take part in this kind of humor-- I do. I laugh at it by myself and with others. My question is, where is the moral line drawn, or is it? What virtue does this violate, if any? Charity?

Thanks for insights and guidance.

[CatherineM]

Well, here's my take on it. There is a difference when it is a person who has made a conscience decision to become public. As an example, politicians and actors are fair game, but their kids aren't. If I do something stupid and post it on YouTube or send it in to funniest home videos, fair game. If it is sent in by an ex-boyfriend, not. As to the beauty contestant, I promise you that girls who participate in the cut throat world of pageants, especially southern women, are made of concrete.