COMMENTARY: MTSU Professor Examines the Fear Factor: From Depression-Era Paranoia to Modern Vigilance

Feb 04, 2025 at 07:28 am by WGNS News


COMMENTARY: During the Great Depression, mysterious sidewalk markings stating "They're coming" sparked fears of an invasion by the unemployed, prompting increased police patrols and local vigilante actions. It later turned out to be part of a marketing ploy regarding a new breakfast cereal that was about to be introduced.

Today, there is an abundance of concern about everything. One fear might surround a lone car parked on a neighborhood street, only to be later confirmed as the car of a teenage boy visiting a teenage girl whose parents won’t allow him to come over – so she sneaks him in. Or perhaps the fear surrounds an unordered package left by Amazon at your doorstep, which happens to be a gift from your mother-in-law who believes you buy the wrong brand of dishwashing detergent – so she has her preferred brand shipped to your front door.

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With an abundance of fear today, similar to fears 50 years ago, here’s MTSU Professor of Journalism Larry Burriss… Hear past commentaries by Dr. Burriss HERE, or scroll down to learn more about the professor's role at the university and his accomplishments.


 

About Dr. Burriss - Dr. Larry Burriss is a highly accomplished professor of journalism with extensive experience in both academia and professional media. He teaches introductory journalism courses, media law, and quantitative research methods at the graduate level. His academic credentials are impressive, holding five degrees:

  • B.A. in Broadcast Journalism – The Ohio State University
  • M.A. in Journalism – The Ohio State University
  • M.A. in Human Relations – University of Oklahoma
  • Ph.D. in Journalism – Ohio University
  • J.D. – Concord Law School

Dr. Burriss has a distinguished career in print and broadcast news, public relations, and academic research. He has published extensively in both scholarly and popular publications, covering topics such as presidential press conferences, NASA photography, radio news, adolescent social media use, legal research, and even studies on Middle Earth.

In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Burriss has held numerous leadership roles, including director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication, and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate. His contributions to the state include being appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents.

A decorated professional, Dr. Burriss has won first place in the Tennessee Associated Press Radio Contest nine times. He also has a distinguished military background, serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His active-duty service included deployments to Mali, Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe, and the Pentagon.

Dr. Burriss continues to inspire students and colleagues with his vast knowledge, experience, and dedication to the field of journalism and media studies.

 

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