Why do so many people in America hate the musical instrument Banjo?

Answer 1

one answer:

I've lived in America my whole life, and this is the first I've ever seen the claim "Americans hate banjos". Perhaps if you live in a culturally deprived portion of the country, you might get that impression, but I've really never had anyone come up to me and say "Boy, I really hate the banjo."

another answer:

For some reason, the banjo became associated with novelty and vaudeville in the late 1800s and into the 1920s and 1930s . It was used in minstrel shows and on children's recordings, and some comedians also used it. So rather than being hated, perhaps it was an instrument that was not taken seriously. But the banjo was also used by folk singers, including the widely respected Pete Seeger, and by major bluegrass performers like Doc Watson. So, it depends on what genres-- in some cases, the banjo was perceived as a very appropriate instrument.