Yeah, haha, my reply was a bit meta ^_^ basically making the affirmative case for PC in a non-PC way. I agree with you that there's nuances (and that this isn't the place) -- and of course simultaneously I'd love to see peoples' skins thicken up. My reply is more to the FOX News trademarked rallying cry against political correctness more than against the dictionary definition. With that in mind, I'd expect someone arguing against PC to appreciate the tone of my reply as that is the kind of discourse they're advocating for.

To me, PC culture is more about style than substance, a thing I very contemptuously called "empty polite noises" when I was younger.

I generally shoot for genuine respect of people. I far prefer the company of authentic but socially awkward people to superficially smooth con artist types.

If one can combine authentic respect with smooth language, they are basically hitting international diplomat levels of social interaction. Awesome if one can pull that off, but quite oppressive to expect it as a default for being able to interact with others at all.

Which is why PC culture is very often toxic: In a world where asking for both is very often asking too much, it usually prioritizes style over substance.

You will note that HN doesn't require PC language. The mods will not come down on you for casually swearing. They will come down on you for ad hominems.

It's a good standard, imo.