The Power of Numbers: Discovering the Link Between Math and Democracy

"Counted Out," directed by Vicki Abeles, explores the connection between mathematics and civil rights, highlighting how fear of math impacts democracy and social progress.

A profound new documentary titled “Counted Out” is making a splash at various film festivals and community screenings, with plans for a limited theatrical release scheduled for the coming year. This film emphasizes the phrase "Math is power," underscoring the vital intersection between mathematics, civil rights, and the very fabric of democracy. As society grapples with pressing issues such as health care, climate change, misinformation, and electoral integrity, it becomes increasingly evident that an understanding of math plays a crucial role.

Vicki Abeles, the film’s director and a former Wall Street lawyer, expressed her concerns about widespread math anxiety she observed among students—including her own middle-school daughter—and adults alike. This phenomenon piqued her curiosity: Why does math evoke such fear in many people? What are the societal repercussions of this apprehension?

Among the film's featured experts is Ismar Volic, a professor at Wellesley College and the co-founder of the Institute for Mathematics and Democracy, established in 2019. Volic, who hails from Bosnia-Herzegovina, reflects on his experiences during the tragic war of the early 1990s, connecting the dots between the collapse of democracy in his homeland and recent democratic challenges in the U.S. and worldwide. He stated, "That has driven me in the last few years, understanding the mechanics of democracy, the infrastructure of democracy, which is very much mathematical."

The documentary serves as a call to action, urging viewers to reconsider their relationship with math and highlighting its significance in enhancing social progress and protecting democratic principles. Through powerful narratives and expert insights, “Counted Out” seeks to reveal how fostering mathematical literacy can empower communities to tackle their most daunting challenges effectively.