The “right to think” is an interesting concept to grasp. I agree with Spencer that as human beings, we all share the capability to think, and I doubt that will ever be taken away from us. However, the right to form our own opinions and to hear other opinions is a privilege that been questioned countless times throughout history. Like Priya, I think this is the real issue in Inherit the Wind, rather than the physical ability to use our brain to form thoughts.
In society today, we are often appalled at governments and leaders from the past (and even a few from the present) that only allowed certain beliefs to be taught and spoken about, some much more rigidly than the United States in the 1920s. And while it may be a cruel thing, to stop a person from expressing different beliefs, these governments had reason for doing so. They were motivated by the fear of change, revolution, or individuals questioning of the current views of the time. These things may seem natural in our society of change, but for them, it was considerably easier to keep things as they were. This oppression of individual thoughts that deviated from the norm was in no way a good thing, but it was completely understandable.
As easy as it was to deny different opinions, there were many daring people who had the courage to suggest radical ideas. Many were persecuted for doing so, but others were commended. In any case, it was these individuals who paved the way for our society, in which we have the freedom to learn about and believe virtually anything we desire. Still, our quest for freedom of expression throughout the world is far from over.
I think it is important for us to keep in mind why the right to hear other opinions and form our own has been denied in the past, so that we do not abuse this critical privilege (by promoting opinions only for our personal gain, rather than for the pursuit of truth). After all, progress is only made by change, and change is only made by individuals who think differently.
-Kristen.
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