"treating groups that are perceived as weak with courtesy" Not respect because it can include dishonestly flattering them which disrespects their ability to handle information. Also, not everyone - only members of particular groups. Political correctness advocates can be brutally bullying towards people they don't like the views of.

"Respect" seems to be a loaded word. How about we just try for courtesy?

Respect is earned, not given. Giving something away demeans it and makes it worthless.

Disagree. Respect is given and removed if proven undeserving.

That is your choice.

To force it on society is to remove freedom from society.

That is not a choice. That is a consequence and it has consequences.

You're not going to be jailed for being disrespectful (or "un-pc" if you like); but other people might not want to spend time around you anymore...

I find more people are sick of PC than are a fan of it. You might have different peers though.

I can only speak for myself here, but I never found being "PC" to be incongruent with how I normally treat people. Never in my every day interactions have I considered whether or not what I do or say is PC.

Treating people with respect without expecting anything in return gets you far.