Why do Republicans often try to outdo the liberals when it comes to political correctness?

I happen to agree with you for the most part. Republicans should stand on the principals embodied in the constitution and let the chips fall where they may. Equal rights for all. Let Democrats be the ones to divide up the people into all sorts of groups and offer them special rights and different programs that benefit only them. that would definitely make for two different parties to chose from. Eventually common sense will prevail and the majority will become clear on what makes more sense.