Why is Java so popular

The introductory programming course at uni teaches Java, but you don't have to take it if you know a programming language. Should I teach myself python over the summer (I already know the basics) and avoid having to learn Java? Or are the haters just people who are scared of object orientation.

Some of you fags need to realize that programming like it is 1977 is not only stupid, it is fucking sad.
what's sad is that in all the years since it was written, no one has managed to come up with a better text editor than an extended version of ed.