On Second Thought For Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Outrage, protests, and more violence are just some of the expected reactions to killings at the hands of law enforcement officers caught on camera. Some therapists theorize that repeated exposure to these controversial incidents can adversely affect mental health. Anger, fear, and frustration can all take a toll on weary viewers who can’t seem to escape images of violent incidents. We talk with Atira Charles, a Florida A&M University professor and founder of The Mask Project, and Kennesaw State University professor Roxanne Donovan about how best to manage emotions associated with controversial police shootings. 

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Then, Atlanta Police Department Sergeant Walter Pickard joins us to share how he looks at police shooting videos and how his job has changed because of them.  Shortly after the shooting in Dallas last week, the Dallas Police Department tweeted a picture of Mark Hughes as its initial suspect. Within minutes, Hughes became the most wanted man in the country. Multiple news outlets broadcasted the photo and thousands of users shared it on social media. Though cleared of all suspicion, Hughes had to go into hiding after he received death threats. We talk with Sgt. Pickard about the responsibility of the press in breaking news situations and reporters’ relationships with law enforcement officials. Keith Herndon, journalism professor at University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, also joins us. 

Afterwards, we add a couple of songs to our essential Georgia Playlist courtesy of David Barbe, director of the University of Georgia’s music business certificate program. He selects a pair of his favorite songs, one from Athens scene pioneers Pylon and another from Atlanta's Lotus Plaza featuring Lockett Pundt of Deerhunter. Lastly, we take a trip up to Dawsonville to visit a stunt driving school that teaches interested participants the way of the action star. Producers Taylor Gantt and Sean Powers visited the new program and received the full experience with the help of professional stunt-man Bobby Ore.