Geoffrey MillerVerified account

I worry that for some people it becomes not a gateway drug, but a substitute. E.g. one of the defining qualities of political correctness is caring a lot about the words people use for things. This usually seems to come at the expense of caring about things that really matter.

Agreed. It's a lesser morality used as a substitute for something greater - like a mask of virtue.

I am workin extra hard to instill this in my children. It brings me great joy when I see them do something as simple as interacting politely with a cashier.

Well you did the right thing since your head went off a few years ago and the kids remain courteous.