“Counted Out” asserts that math is not just a subject confined to classrooms but a vital tool that permeates our daily lives. From the relationships we cultivate to the news we consume, to the candidates we vote for and the job opportunities available to us, the film illustrates how an invisible layer of math underpins our society. It emphasizes that our numeric literacy—or lack thereof—plays a significant role in determining social and economic power.
The film’s mosaic structure, personal narratives, expert interviews, and real-world examples of mathematical transformation showcase the urgent need to shift how we perceive and engage with math. As someone who has often felt disconnected from the subject, I found the film’s message particularly resonant. “Do we want an America in which most of us don’t consider ourselves ‘math people’?” it asks, challenging viewers to reconsider their relationship with numbers. The alternative—a society where anyone can grasp and utilize the math that undergirds our lives—feels desirable and necessary.
Dedicated to the late civil rights leader Bob Moses, the film pays homage to his belief that access to math is a fundamental civil rights issue. This perspective is especially poignant in the context of the last filmed interviews of his life, reminding us of the historical significance of math education and its role in shaping equitable societal structures. His insights resonate throughout the film, reinforcing that understanding math is crucial for empowering individuals and communities.
While I may still consider myself mathematically challenged, “Counted Out” has inspired me to rethink my apprehension toward mathematics. It serves as a reminder of the importance of numeric literacy in navigating our increasingly complex world. The film advocates for a future where math proficiency is not just a privilege for a select few but a shared competency everyone can attain.
“Counted Out” is a timely and thought-provoking film that challenges the status quo and encourages viewers to embrace math as a vital component of social justice and empowerment. It is an engaging watch for anyone, whether you consider yourself a math enthusiast or more like me. The film ultimately leaves us with an important question: Are we ready to transform our relationship with math and, in doing so, reshape our society for the better?