America, particularly in the West, is very informal re: names. I'm a litigation attorney and lawyers all address each other by first names, even if they've never met. I use last names in written correspondence because it's permanent, but orally, it's first names. In fact, I tell younger attorneys to call me by my first name because "Mr. X" sounds stuffy. America is becoming more and more informal as it's becoming more and more diverse. I actually think that's a good thing as it further breaks down class barriers, which have been falling for decades. I don't think the OP's point of view is wrong, but perhaps not realistic.