That’s how a woman by the name of Heidi Schlumpf refers to MCPF Stephen Colbert in this essay from NCR:

I enjoy satire as much, or maybe even more, than the average person. I even guiltily laughed at The Onion’s post-9/11 coverage (“Not knowing what else to do, woman bakes American flag cake”). But like a parent pushing vegetables, I’m starting to worry about a diet too heavy in fun fake news and lacking in serious news consumption.

So guess who’s not honoring you now, Stephen? Me. And I’ve got a “Wørd” for you: cynicism.

Chronic distrust and suspicion may not be one of the seven deadlies, but I’m not the only one who thinks it’s not good for the soul. “The only deadly sin I know is cynicism,” said Henry L. Stimson, President Herbert Hoover’s secretary of state.

Fake news shows are feeling like a near occasion of cynicism to me. Studies have shown that viewers of “The Daily Show” express more cynical views of the political system and the news media. But again, it’s unclear if the show causes cynicism or merely attracts those who are already cynical.

Some have argued that such disillusionment or even contempt could prompt viewers to get more involved in the political process (perhaps explaining the attraction of many younger voters to the idealistic Barack Obama), and that the real responsibility for cynicism rests on those political and media people ridiculed on the shows.

But cynicism can also lead to bitterness or despair, that inability to care that often manifests itself in boredom, escapism and commitment phobia. It’s the “whatever” attitude that has come to define a whole generation today. The early monastics called it acedia, and saw it as a spiritual affliction, not a psychological one. Spiritual writer Kathleen Norris describes her own struggle with acedia in her latest book, but she also sees it as a societal problem.

It’s not Colbert’s fault that millions of Americans prefer sarcasm and end up cynical. But even he shields his kids from his show so they don’t begin to see him as insincere. So maybe, good Catholic that he is, Colbert could join the fight against cynicism. Maybe create an “Idealismstrong” bracelet.

Memo to self: do not sit Heidi and Stephen next to each other at my annual Deacon’s Bench Christmas party.

You can read the rest of her thoughts at the NCR link.