In brief
Directed by Vicki Abeles, "Counted Out" addresses the fear of mathematics impacting society’s progress and understanding of critical issues like healthcare and elections.
In an age where data drives decision-making, a new documentary titled "Counted Out" aims to bridge the gap between mathematics and civic rights. Directed by Vicki Abeles, a former Wall Street lawyer, the film emphasizes the societal implications of mathematical literacy, positing that a narrow access to mathematical knowledge limits progress and exacerbates critical challenges such as healthcare access, climate change, misinformation, and electoral integrity. Abeles was inspired by her observations of the pervasive anxiety surrounding mathematics, particularly among students and her own teenage daughter. This led her to explore why many avoid mathematical concepts and what consequences this aversion entails for democracy. The film features insights from various mathematicians, including Dr. Ismar Volic of Wellesley College, who shares his knowledge as a founder of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy. His experiences in war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina lend credence to his understanding of democracy's fragility, underscoring a parallel between historical crises and modern democratic challenges.Through powerful narratives and expert analysis, "Counted Out" aims to make the case that enhancing public engagement with mathematics is essential for the healthy functioning of democracy. It challenges viewers to confront their fears and anxieties about math and recognizes the role numerical literacy plays in informing more equitable societies. As the film prepares for its release, it calls upon communities to recognize math as a tool for empowerment, insisting that understanding its principles can yield meaningful contributions to civil rights and democratic processes.
