Residuals: (or On the Use of Statistical Analysis to Perpetuate Systemic Racism)

Abstract

This poem was inspired by my research and lived experiences. As an associate professor of industrial engineering, my research focuses on dismantling structural racism in health systems. My holistic view of processes has helped map out public health programs and identify where Hispanics are being left behind. As a Hispanic who lived in Montana for over a decade, my family and I have been marginalized solely due to our skin color, language, and accent, irrespective of our nationality or professional identity. “Speak American,” said a lady to my daughter once. “You don’t fit here,” a colleague told me another time. “How long does it take you to drive to Puerto Rico?” someone once asked, revealing ignorance and a lack of empathy. These moments highlight the persistent prejudices that minorities endure in their daily lives. The term “Hispanic” itself carries connotations of Spain’s imperialist history as a European colonizer in Latin America. I use it intentionally in this poem as a reminder of our collective history—one marked by the ongoing struggle to reclaim our rights and identities. The current U.S. political landscape disproportionately discriminates against Spanish speakers and people of color. As someone with vast knowledge of statistics, I understand how categorizing data into discrete groups can uncover patterns. However, when we generalize and insert biases into public health systems, we create structures that inherently exclude minorities. Instead of ignoring residuals, we must study them, using their stories to guide us toward systems that are inclusive and equitable for all. To view the original version of this poem, see the supplemental material section of this article online.