Changing the language and changing the attitudes have to go hand in hand. If the attitude is one of contempt or hate than that will colour whatever term used.

But as a mark of a change in attitudes a change in language is often helpful. It has been important for the label "Mongol" to been replaced in common and professional use by "Downs", and this has in practice been accompanied by a positive change in the way people behave towards people with that label.

In the same way it is important that the word "Nigger" has been driven out of common use. It doesn't mean that racism has been destroyed, but it one of the things that has helped to dethrone it.

I agree with George in feeling scornful towards the damage limitation merchants. But then anyone whose primary reason for changing offensive language etc is to avoid lawsuits is, I suspect, a covert racist, disablist or whatever. In fact I tend to suspect that applies to anyone who feels comfortable using the expression "politically correct" - whether they are attacking it or defending it.