If you start with C as your first language you're not really starting out by learning how to program, you're starting out by learning how the computer operates.

If you start with C as your first language you're not really starting out by learning how to program, you're starting out by learning how the computer operates. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, mind you, but it's important to note the distinction. Using an analogy; starting out with C is like learning to drive by being told how an internal combustion engine works, and then you're asked to wire up your pedals manually and install a fuel tank of sufficient size before you're allowed to learn how to put the car in gear. Those are all useful things to know, but you can learn them after you know how to drive, and your knowledge of either topic (driving and automotive engineering) is not in any way impaired by learning it in a different order.