Why are Bananas so Stubborn?

Have you noticed how difficult it is to peel a banana? And why has this only come about in the last decade? It's as if bananas are now bred with extra thick peels. 

Every morning when I want to eat one, I have to first make a small incision to get it started. Otherwise, I just keep pulling at the stem with no success, and when I finally do get it open the top is complete mush. What gives?!