C++

1) Why do people not like C++?
2) Is C++ a good language to learn programming? Mind you, you don't need to use any of the advanced features.

Because it mixes high-level things like templates and STL, with low-level mechanisms like pointer arithmetic. This creates a complete chaos sure to confuse not only newbies, but every programmer.
It'd be hard to find a reasonably complete subset of C++ that allows showing simple concepts. Besides, there are languages simpler and much more fit for teaching beginners, like C (for low level concepts), Python, Scheme; even utter shit like Pascal is better for that.
Also, read C++ FQA.