If all people would prefer java then there wouldn't be any other programming languages. That tastes differ is supported by the fact that there are thousands of programming languages. "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_programming_languages" provides a nice overview.

Python is a multi-paradigm interpreted language, is older than java and is often used for scripting. Java is a class-based object oriented, concurrent, compiled language and is seen everywhere, from mobile phones to super computers. Python programs should be easier to develop and java programs should run more efficiently. These are generalisations and all depends on the application domain.

I prefer declarative programming languages, which produce executable specifications. You get solutions ultra-fast without having to deal with all the potential, low-level bugs.