There is no overstating how tragic the events in Japan over the last 2 weeks have been. It is an obvious fact that should not be dismissed by stubborn attitudes or self-imposed ignorance.
What some people need to realize however is that humans think completely differently. Which is to say that thinking about Japan and being yourself (for certain people) leads to offensive jokes. For an example of this I turn to one of the great purveyors of 'too soon' Gilbert Gottfried:
"“I was talking to my Japanese real estate agent. I said ‘is there a school in this area.’ She said ‘not now, but just wait.’”
Of course that is in bad taste. Of course. Gilbert obviously knows that. And it should be obvious that is why he did that. Saying something offensive doesn't mean (necessarily) that you're insensitive. It means that is simply a way of how you deal with a tragedy.
Gilbert is a stand-up comedian who has accomplished a great deal by sticking to his own persona. If he censors himself in anyway, he is doing a creative disservice to himself and to his fans. If you're offended, well you are supposed to be offended. Being offended is where the majority of the humor comes in.
Tragedy is news. News is life. Life is too serious. Sorry to anyone offended. Sorry for maybe even making a point 'too soon'. Time heals all wounds. And tragedy + time = comedy. There is really no difference in those sayings. Time is merely subjective.
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