Well, I guess if your goal was to learn a statically typed programming language Java or C# would be fine. So I don't disagree with you. Personally, I have been

Well, I guess if your goal was to learn a statically typed programming language Java or C# would be fine. So I don't disagree with you. Personally, I have been in the role of teaching people programming, and I have seen what Java does to them. And I remember what it was like when I first encountered it. So, I don't have a better suggestion if that is the goal. But if the goal is to learn programming, I have plenty to say on that. I worked as a TA for 3 years and from my rather biased experience, I would highly recommend HtDP and Racket.