When I first heard Miss. Berdick talk to our class about the right to think I thought that this was a very basic concepts. However, as I began to read Inherit the Wind and listen to our class discussions I began to realize how much deeper of a thought this actually was. Like Spencer, I agree that we as humans will always have the right to form our own thoughts in our heads no matter what. However, I also agree with Dana that the meaning of “the right to think” isn’t actually about the thought process, but it has a lot more to do with being able to express those thoughts freely.

It doesn’t matter if the right to think has crossed your mind or not, people everywhere from the time they were born have utilized this tool. Even babies ask for more milk or another movie because they think it is what they deserve. Do people punish children for thinking they deserve more? I would hope not. In general people would respond in one of two ways to this child. They would either agree or explain that there’s other stuff to do to than watch a movie, but the child wouldn’t be punished for simply expressing their thoughts.

A big part of being able to express your ideas and opinions is how you present them. For instance if one child was calmly and politely asking for more and another was screaming and throwing a tantrum while asking for more, who would you be more likely to listen to? You’d probably listen to the polite one because that child is using common etiquette rules. As humans we all react to other peoples actions. If someone suggests their thoughts rather than shoving it down our throats we are more likely to think about their idea instead of shunning it.

One thing I would like to disagree with is Gunnar’s statement when he said the classroom is not the place for opinions to be expressed especially when it’s against the student’s own free will. I disagree because in American society today opinions and thought processes are as much of the learning experience as facts. I mean even on this blog all of us are freely expressing on opinions and disagreeing and agreeing with each other. Opinions are a major part of education. And as for information being against the students will, every student has the right to take in all kinds of information and believe what they want. More theories should be taught, but not expected to be lived by, so that every child has an equal opportunity to find what’s right for them.