What's your opinion on his parenting style?

For New Years, me and my boyfriend went to his parents house. I met his brother for the first time (his brother is in the military) and I was shocked how he treats his 12-year-old son. His son calls him "Sir" instead of Dad. Anytime his son would say something he looked to his dad to make sure it was okay to talk. He was constantly yelling at his son if he didn't do something up to his standards, which are impossible (from what I seen). He would make his son get things for him like a soda, food, etc. and instead of saying "Thank you" he would say "You could have been faster" or something like that. And at midnight (when the ball dropped) it's tradition that everyone kisses their spouse and hugs their kids and tells them that they love them, but he just gave his son a handshake and then told him to go wait in the car for him. I felt so bad for the kid. Why would someone treat their kid like like?