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.

>>40
>Runs everywhere Sun bothers to port it's JVM
>Shits 50 page long stack traces on error
>EVERYTHING IS AN OBJECT WOOO _{except the primitives}
>Java.
>Thread.
Fixed.