maybe the word political correctness is a bit too much to describe something as simple as tactfulness & perhaps kindness/consideration. PC is a word made by lawmakers & as such, it is a dirty word. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> PC is very unPC to me.
respect earned rather than demanded of is commendable. however for someone who speaks as he/she please without considering consequences is without a doubt a person who needs no respect & thus deserves none.
a person who feels the need to be considerate, or at the very least tactful, will find a way to communicate his/her ideas in more receptive ways which may not be acceptable but at least heard & considered. giving respect is far more labourous than earning it.
to answer the question of the topic, NO. PC is not the only medium to sow & show respect. it does work as what kris mentioned so PC shouldn't be condemned just because. however PC should be fine-tuned & simplified to something more basic & easier to swallow & follow. just say; be considerate & be kind & the utmost; be mindful.
sidenote: PC & terms which are its offshoot, are often used as snide remarks & subtle ways of cendescension. ain't nothing PC about its use, i tell ya!
if a simple word of well-known definition is hard in its adherence, a bookful of phrases will not save more.
