"Math is power" encapsulates the essence of "Counted Out," a compelling documentary currently circulating among film festivals and community screenings, with a limited theatrical release slated for next year. The film dives into the intricate relationship between mathematics, civil rights, and the fundamental principles of democracy. It examines how a general understanding—or misunderstanding—of mathematics influences our capacity to tackle major social issues such as healthcare, climate change, misinformation, and electoral integrity.
Director Vicki Abeles, previously a Wall Street lawyer, was motivated to create this film after noticing the pervasive fear of mathematics among students, including her own middle-school daughter. This concern extended to her peers and family, prompting her to ask critical questions: What fuels this anxiety surrounding math? And what implications does it hold for society?
Among the mathematicians featured in the film is Ismar Volic, a Wellesley College professor who co-founded the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy in 2019. Dr. Volic, who witnessed the collapse of democracy during the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the early 1990s, draws parallels between historical and current democratic situations. His experience drives his quest to understand democracy's mathematical foundations, underscoring the critical need for mathematical literacy in understanding electoral processes and fair representation.
The dialogue between Abeles and Volic, captured through videoconference and email, highlights the urgency of addressing mathematical fears to empower citizens and ensure societal advancement. By promoting accessible mathematics, the hope is to dismantle barriers that limit collective progress, fostering a more informed and engaged populace ready to face today's challenges.
