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<< Heck, I would be VERY embarrassed if I couldn't drive a manual. >>
It's one thing to not learn how to drive a manual, it's another to not be able to learn. I think the main reason most cars sold in the US are automatics is because there aren't enough manuals around for people to learn to drive them. It's a fairly risky venture to buy a stick shift car if you've never driven one before. That is why in my family when I turned 16 my parents just bought me a POS 1979 VW Rabbit w/ a stick shift. It was like $400 or something like that, but it was a great learning vehicle. We still have it today (~4 years later) & my brother is learning on it.
EDIT: I should clarify that it's not really POS it's just a tiny car w/ no frills. Mechanically it's the most sound car I've ever driven. Even with 400k+ miles on it (on the original engine & tranny....'bout the 4th clutch) it's still very reliable. Only problem we ever had with it is that the radiator rusted out from driving on the thruway (they really oversalt it). I'm so impressed with it I plan on buying another VW once I get the funds together. >>
Over here in Australia, when we go for our drivers license, we take lessons beforehand with an instructor from a Driving School. They supply the car for you to practise in, which is always a manual (or STICK as US people call it 🙂) Most people here buy a manual for a first car too....but we do also drive older cars then you guys. Heck my first car was a 1970 Toyota Corona, Second was an 1981, third a 1974, fourth a 1985, Fifth a 1983 (still got that one, lovely car too!) and yesterday bought a cheap 1975 Datsun, for only $490 bucks (Australian) as a runabout to the train station and back. No need for the new cars I reckon 🙂