TOO MUCH political correctness

Whether you agree or disagree with this statement; you will however have an opinion about it.

THERE IS TOO MUCH POLITICAL CORRECTION IN THE WORLD TODAY!!!

Let me explain, one day I was out with my hero father at Home Depot. I paid for the things I needed and the cashier gave me my change, I thanked her with a sweetheart at the end. She half smiled half smirked at me. I wasn't flirty or trying to get with her, I merely was expressing a kind word.
My father lectured me about saying such things. I agreed that it wasn't correct but I meant no harm in it. We furthered the discussion all the way home. I find it so wrong that you can't pay someone a kind word or praise without thinking about the consequences of those words. 25+ years ago, no one would have had a second thought about it but now it is considered sexual harassment. WTF???
Now don't get me wrong I sometimes acknowledge male cashiers with thanks, boss/captain/champ as well and that also is "incorrect" to say. When did we lose common decency? I mean really, is that so wrong trying to acknowledge someone doing a job well done?
Often I travel South and find myself critical of folks saying hello, or how are you? I have to remind myself that in the south people are friendlier and speak to one another. I have to check my "northern" ways. I am proud to say I was raised by a southern mother who taught me to say thank you, your welcome and how are you to anyone that crosses my path. However, in this day and age, this practice whether north or south is no longer acceptable......

DAMN, Shame on it all,
Mama Morgan's oldest and favorite son,