I think some folks are getting unnecessarily stirred up over the use of the word, “folks”. I use that word often and have never thought of it as being condescending in any way, shape or form.
For what it’s worth, the definition of “folk” or plural, “folks”.
n. pl. folk or folks
1.
a. The common people of a society or region considered as the representatives of a traditional way of life and especially as the originators or carriers of the customs, beliefs, and arts that make up a distinctive culture: a leader who came from the folk.
b. Archaic A nation; a people.
2. Informal People in general. Often used in the plural: Folks around here are very friendly.
3. People of a specified group or kind. Often used in the plural: city folks; rich folk.
4. folks Informal
a. The members of one’s family or childhood household; one’s relatives.
b. One’s parents: My folks are coming for a visit.
adj.
Of, occurring in, or originating among the common people: folk culture; a folk hero.
Idiom:
just folks Informal
Down-to-earth, open-hearted.
As for me, I’m rather fond of good folks.