Director Vicki Abeles's film illustrates the vital connection between mathematics, civil rights, and democracy, highlighting the detrimental effects of math anxiety on decision-making in crucial areas like healthcare and elections.
The Hidden Costs of Math Anxiety in Democracy
The Hidden Costs of Math Anxiety in Democracy
The documentary "Counted Out" explores how fear of math affects societal progress and democratic processes.
In a world increasingly driven by data, the intersection of mathematics and democracy has taken center stage in a thought-provoking new documentary titled “Counted Out.” Directed by Vicki Abeles, the film, which is making rounds at festivals and community screenings, boldly asserts that “Math is power” as it examines how our societal relationship with numbers influences critical issues such as health care, climate change, misinformation, and electoral processes.
Abeles’s inspiration for the film stemmed from her observations regarding the pervasive anxiety surrounding mathematics—particularly amongst students, including her own daughter—and even among adults in her social circles. This widespread apprehension prompted her to investigate the roots of this fear and its implications for civic engagement. “When we limit access to the power of math to a select few, we limit our progress as a society,” she asserts.
The film features insights from mathematicians like Ismar Volic, a Wellesley College professor and co-founder of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy, who emphasizes the inherent mathematical structure of democratic systems. Having witnessed the devastating effects of democratic collapse during the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Volic draws alarming parallels to current global democratic issues, urging a deeper understanding of how mathematics intertwines with civic infrastructure.
Through its investigative lens, “Counted Out” invites viewers to confront their mathematical fears, illuminating the vital role that mathematics plays in shaping democratic ideals and social justice initiatives. The documentary is set to be released theatrically next year, making it an essential viewing in an age where data-driven decision-making is paramount for societal advancement.
