I have sometimes been astonished at the negativity of the reaction when someone discovers that I speak Esperanto. The reaction may be based upon some adverse experience or theoretical objections: customarily, however, there would appear to be a profound psychological reason.
I am no psychologist: Claude Piron who lives in Switzerland is. A few years ago he wrote a perceptive essay about what lies behind (or beneath) this unexpected phenomenon. William Auld translated the French original into elegant English.
I am certain that you will find Claude Piron’s explanation thought-provoking.
David W. Bisset