Unpopular opinion: PC policing is going WAY TOO far.

[alcibiades_mystery]

39. Adding the group dimension and the problem of belonging is certainly relevant

The liberal theory of free speech was developed to deal with dissent and faction within (relatively) homogeneous groups. After all, who was it that could speak at all? It focused primarily on disagreement rather than the sorts of (cultural/ethnic/group dynamic/belonging) language slippage you're describing.

No doubt conflicts in speech are inevitable, and much of that attributable to group dynamics. That said, we should acknowledge the problems of the liberal version of free speech as a normative principle. That begins by not falling back on it in a reactive way every time it appears to be challenged (as happens, I'd suggest, in the OP). That, of course, doesn't mean that every challenger is right either. But neither is every challenger wrong.

Great post.