Disgraced

It seems that redemption sells and retribution is extinct, what with journalists, politicians and others achieving fame and fortune despite past misdeeds, even criminal behavior. Dr. David Ryfe, assistant professor, journalism, says as commercial enterprises, media companies have been willing to reward liars and cheats since the 1830s. Regarding journalism, he says things have indeed changed--it used to be difficult for lazy or corrupt reporters to capitalize on their misdeeds because the community of journalists would not have allowed it. "This is no longer true, I think, because standards of professionalism and the capacity of the journalism community to enforce them have withered." Rather than being a matter of forgiving and forgetting, institutions no longer have the power or inclination to punish wayward members, he adds.

Contact Ryfe at 615-904-8553.
dryfe@mtsu.edu

Getting a rush

Dr. Donald Kendrick, professor of psychology, is continuing his research on the personality traits of scuba divers, who are categorized as "risk takers" or "thrill seekers." These people get bored easily and seek highly stimulating activities, he says, which sometimes can lead to negative, even criminal, behavior just for the rush. Why do some thrill seekers satisfy their need for stimulation in more socially acceptable ways rather than in negative behavior? "We have discovered that scuba divers have better than average impulse control, lower than average trait anxiety and are above average in self-esteem." Those who exhibit negative thrill-seeking behavior tend to have poor impulse control and low self-esteem, he adds.

Contact Kendrick at 615-898-2134.
psyskip@mtsu.edu

Free not to be offended?

Campuses are simmering these days on free speech issues, and while a university is "the marketplace of ideas" where there must be tolerance for the expression of ideas, that doesn't mean that all ideas are equally meritorious or well expressed, says Dr. Bob Glenn, vp, student affairs, and vice provost, enrollment management. "It is only when you have the conflict of ideas that sufficient energy is generated to bring the best ideas to the top. It is also important to remember that there is no guarantee within the First Amendment that one has the freedom to not be offended." Offensive ideas should be countered by debate--not censorship, he adds.

Contact Glenn at 615-898-2440.
rglenn@mtsu.edu

MTSU UPLINK TODAY AT 10 A.M.

Doulas and childbirth: Carol Smith, who works in MTSU's Center for Health and Human Services, discusses an upcoming workshop for aspiring childbirth educators, May 29-31. She also talks about her role as a "birth doula." Jennifer Locum, a postpartum doula, is expecting her third child and talks about the benefits of having a doula.