Blind Bias + Bad Grammar

I recently commented on a LinkedIN post string about hiring biases. The post had an original premise that the primary bias in hiring was white male vs. all others. I weighted in to suggest there were many sub-biases and it wasn’t that straightforward. Ageism is alive and well in some companies. Sadly, skin pigmentation is a deal-breaker for some–pretty weird when you think about it. Then there are overt as well as subconscious biases for accent, be it a regional or an international accent. I know this list goes on and on, but essentially, I don’t think a broad-sweeping claim that all white men benefit from an across-the-board hiring preferential bias is accurate.

A responder (aka troll) shot back on the point of ageism. “You are exactly like the people I worked with whom considered me a “young punk” for having a B.S. in Computer Science, several years of prior experience with fixing and programming computers, having the gall to state my truth about my credentials confidently, and having the gall to be a High Performer in each and every single thing I do.”

First thought? That’s an incorrect use of the word “whom.”

Second thought? Thank you for demonstrating my point. If this person performs hiring, it won’t matter if a male or female applicant arrives at his office for the interview. He will size up the age of the person and apply his bias. Neither older woman nor older man have a chance of being hired. It won’t be based on male or female. It will be based on his incorrect belief that any older person will write him off as a “young punk.”

Finally, if I conclude this person is a punk, it’s not because I know his age, genetics, heritage, skin tone, or even his qualifications. It is based on the utter disrespect he showed me as a fellow professional on a networking platform. Punk!

What do you think? And please, be respectful and use proper grammar.