Motors whats a good car for a new driver

Well over here in the UK, almost everybody who drives a car can drive a manual. By far the best way to drive!

What I never understand is why people over in the US/Canada are so reliant on auto 'boxes.
When I started learning, I thought that gear changing would be the hardest part of the whole thing. In fact it was the first thing I had to do (obviously), and by far the easiest. Steering the damn thing correctly is far more of a challenge for a learner than changing gear!
So why are people so dependant on autos? Just sheer laziness or what?