Should animation tackle serious issues in a comedic light?

Today in class we watched two animated pieces that tackled slightly similar issues. South Park, as well as the feature we watched, both depicted the tyranny of Saddam Hussein. While South Park portrayed Saddam in a comedic light, the feature depicted the horrors the Iraqi people endured under his rule. Though both pieces portrayed him in a negative light, is it morally right of South Park to make light of such issues; especially since South Park is done by two white Americans? We've discussed many times before how animation isn't solely for children, but should such serious and current issues be portrayed by cartoons? While I believe this is a very complicated subject, I personally believe they should. Satire is simply another form of critique. Though sometimes comedy can go to far, and be executed in poor taste, if done well, comedy can be more impactful than drama.