Then learn Python/Ruby/Lisp/whatever.
I don't think it's a good way to start programming but I would encourage people to learn it at some point because of the reason you gave.
I'd also suggest that the best way to get to grips with C is to learn assembly with a simple processor at the same time. People always seem to get stuck on pointers etc and that's easy to understand when you know a processor's addressing modes. Plus, it's always fun to use gcc to output (unoptimized) assembly code and compare it to what you would have written.
But definitely, C can be very frustrating. It takes weeks or months before you can do anything actually useful (not just nerdy fun, like calculating pi or something.) That being said, how do you explain the difference between an array and a linked list to someone who only knows python? to take a trivial example. Sure, you could, but it's extremely unintuitive. Whereas with C you're so close to the hardware that the distinction is obvious.
For the OP, I would suggest picking up python or ruby. And focus on doing something fun. If you like graphics, pick up Processing. Find interesting code on the net and tweak it.