Why do people bash Catholics?

Answer 1

Many people view the history of the Catholic Church, combined with much apparent hypocrisy (the priest-paedophile scandals, the wealth of the church which it maintains despite its charitous message) as a good reason not to trust it.

Additionally, many are members of other religious groups which - either by nature or by history - have reason to hate Catholics.

Answer 2

Non-Catholics bash Catholics because they know little to nothing about the Church. For years they have listened to their preachers, who also know nothing, preach lies, distortions and exaggerations about Catholics. The only way they can feel secure in their own beliefs is to tear down others who do not believe as they do. In my 67 years as a Catholic I have never heard a priest or bishop say a bad word from the pulpit about non-Catholics. We are secure in our beliefs and feel no need to preach hatred.