[int_19h]

C is one of those things that hasn't meaningfully changed in decades now. So yes, technically it is a mainstream language without generics (and many other things) - but I don't think that's a viable role model. The only reason why C is what it is, is because of all the legacy code written in it.

[burntsushi]

Who said anything about C being a role model? I think your chosen language is somewhat misleading, so it's worth pointing out.