Director Vicki Abeles discusses her documentary, "Counted Out," which highlights the importance of mathematics in addressing societal issues such as healthcare and elections. Mathematicians share insights on the civic implications of mathematical literacy, stressing that a lack of math accessibility can hinder societal progress.
The Civic Power of Mathematics: A New Documentary Explores Its Relevance
The Civic Power of Mathematics: A New Documentary Explores Its Relevance
"Counted Out," a documentary directed by Vicki Abeles, examines how mathematics intertwines with civil rights and democracy, emphasizing the need for broader access to mathematical knowledge.
In recent times, the documentary "Counted Out," directed by Vicki Abeles, has sparked discussions about the vital role of mathematics in civil rights and democracy. With the tagline “Math is power,” the film is making its rounds at various film festivals and will have a limited theatrical release next year. It investigates how both the understanding and misunderstanding of mathematics impact society’s ability to tackle critical issues such as healthcare disparities, climate change, the spread of misinformation, and election integrity.
Vicki Abeles, who is also a former Wall Street lawyer, was inspired to create "Counted Out" after noticing significant anxiety about math among students, including her own middle school-aged daughter, as well as among peers and friends who often avoid math altogether. This led her to question the source of this anxiety and its broader implications for society, saying, “When we limit access to the power of math to a select few, we limit our progress as a society.”
Among the prominent figures featured in the film is Dr. Ismar Volic, a Wellesley College professor and founder of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy. With deeply personal experiences rooted in the war-torn history of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Volic draws parallels between the collapse of democracy observed in his home country and the current state of democratic resilience in the United States and the world. He points out the significant mathematical underpinnings of democracy and emphasizes understanding these structures as a crucial step toward safeguarding civil rights.
The conversation around the film brings to light an urgent discussion about how enhanced mathematical literacy can empower individuals to engage more fully in democratic processes. The implications of the film suggest that addressing fears associated with mathematics could not only bolster individual confidence but potentially enhance collective societal progress through informed civic participation.
