stick shifts do seem to be dying out in the US. 80% of the cars sold in Europe are stick shifts however. They are also very common around the world.
I’ve never owned an automatic. The car I just bought in January is a stick. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I currently have 1 manual, 2 autos
But over my driving life it as been 78% manual cars
Probably I will have an electric car someday, but I will still keep my red barchetta despite the motor law.