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.

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What?  C is the easiest language, it is the legendary ``right tool for the job.''  You can never go wrong with C, the product will be finished much faster and run much faster.

For everything else, there's Haskell.