Car culture wasn't embedded into society before WWII. Before then, the USA had an incredible network of railways, and many cities had pretty decent tram systems. Those were abandoned or ripped out as car manufacturers and policy makers pushed a pro-car agenda. Car manufacturers became extremely wealthy as a result.
I don't disagree with you that it feels embedded (and indeed, the American suburbs are particularly dependent on cars), but I do disagree that it could never happen. The USA has made big dramatic changes in society before, and big changes are possible again. In fact, I will say such changes are inevitable! It just depends on whether we are intentional in making those changes ourselves or if they are forced upon us by hitting the limits of an unsustainable arrangement.
