The documentary “Counted Out” by Vicki Abeles addresses the widespread fear of mathematics and its implications for democracy and social progress. Featuring insights from experts like Ismar Volic, the film illustrates how access to mathematical knowledge can empower communities to tackle urgent issues.
"Harnessing the Power of Mathematics: A Pathway to Democratic Resilience"
"Harnessing the Power of Mathematics: A Pathway to Democratic Resilience"
A new documentary titled “Counted Out” examines the crucial role of mathematics in civil rights and democracy, showcasing the importance of mathematical understanding in combating societal challenges.
"Math is power" resonates throughout the new documentary “Counted Out,” highlighting the pivotal role that mathematics plays in civil rights and democracy. Set to make festival rounds before a limited theatrical release next year, the film dives deep into how the understanding or misunderstanding of mathematics can influence society's ability to confront critical challenges such as healthcare accessibility, climate change, misinformation, and electoral integrity.
Director Vicki Abeles, who once practiced law in Wall Street, embarked on this project fueled by her observations of pervasive math anxiety, particularly among students, including her own middle-school daughter. This anxiety, she notes, seems to discourage individuals from engaging with math altogether. Through her film, she poses pressing questions: Why do so many fear mathematics? What are the societal implications of this reluctance to embrace numerical literacy?
Among the voices featured in the documentary is Ismar Volic, a mathematician from Wellesley College and co-founder of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy. His passion for this cause stems from a personal history; having lived through the disintegration of democracy in his native Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 1990s, Volic draws alarming parallels between those historical crises and contemporary threats to democratic systems globally.
Volic's insights emphasize how mathematical principles underpin democratic practices, from voting mechanisms to representative mapping. He expresses the belief that understanding these mathematical foundations is crucial for preserving and enhancing democracy itself.
“Counted Out” serves as a profound reminder of the need to democratize access to mathematical knowledge in a society where numbers can dictate much of our collective fate. By empowering individuals with mathematical tools, we can fortify our democratic processes, ensuring that every voice can be counted and every vote can hold weight in determining the future of our communities.
