I hadn’t thought of that term as a rebellion against manners and etiquette, but it is. 

I understand how sensitivity becomes a joke after a while. It seems ludicrous, doesn’t it.  But when we get beyond that reaction it is about treating others as they want to be treated.

For example, if my wife didn’t like me using the term ‘baby’ when referring to her, it doesn’t take a genius to understand that if I love her I would stop using that term, right?

How is it any different than a nationality, tribe, or group not wanting to be called by a certain term?  If you proclaim love and respect for all people then wouldn’t you be willing to change the word you use?  

After all, caring for someone isn’t about making yourself feel good, it’s about making them feel good. Which mean you have to actually pay attention to their needs and desires.

What terms do you think should be ‘retired’?

Drawing and commentary © Marty Coleman

“The pejorative term ‘political correctness’ was adapted to express disapproval of the enlargement of etiquette to cover all people, in spite of this being a principle to which all Americans claim to subscribe.” – Judith Martin, 1938-not dead yet, American author and etiquette authority