There is certainly sexism, but I doubt it is "extremely common", or at least not more common than in other parts of life. Just watch ads on TV - evidently the advertising industry and all their clients are very sexist. That makes every industry.
Why many women complain? I'm no expert, but I would guess (apart from the lack of actual numbers: what percentage of women in IT complain, and what percentage in the average population) there are a couple of reasons. I think some of the issues are issues women face everywhere. Like indecent proposals: is the likelihood higher to get those on a tech event than on other events? But it is easier to point a finger (those IT guys), instead of just "men".
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I was in denial about it for a long time, like you. I came up with excuses, like you are doing, to explain it away and not have to deal with it.
If it really isn't so much of an issue, then how come so many women are up in arms about it? [0]
[0] http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Issues
There is certainly sexism, but I doubt it is "extremely common", or at least not more common than in other parts of life. Just watch ads on TV - evidently the advertising industry and all their clients are very sexist. That makes every industry.
Why many women complain? I'm no expert, but I would guess (apart from the lack of actual numbers: what percentage of women in IT complain, and what percentage in the average population) there are a couple of reasons. I think some of the issues are issues women face everywhere. Like indecent proposals: is the likelihood higher to get those on a tech event than on other events? But it is easier to point a finger (those IT guys), instead of just "men".
Maybe I can write more tonight, must work now...