The Americal culture has more admiration for high achievers, whereas in Europe, when you do something extrordinary (like getting a pilots license and a plane) you are seen as a snob or a showoff or something. So if you get a PPL and your own personal airplane in the US to beat the traffic or travel for business, people will think "that's clever", whereas in Europe they'll call you a showoff or something.
I don't agree with this, and if this is your perception i would say you have the wrong friends and you meet the wrong people. But i can believe your reaction since you indeed live in a very narrow left minded country.
I would like to say i have been several times in the US and besides the Mooney and some other minor things, most of the USA sucks bigtime, just gimme Europe! At least we have style and taste!