I don't particularly care for the phrase at all, in reference to anyone (because I don't like it in reference to me and my kind). For example, I'll say "Professional atheletes make a lot more money than do I." THOSE PEOPLE (to me) has an inherent snobish elitism that even *I* won't touch. ;)

The thing about offensiveness is that it is all from the perspective of the person offended. I may say something with no real INTENTION of offending someone and do so just the same. Makes it hard--so i try to not say things that would offend ME and go forward with that reflective perspective. There is no reality, only perception. So I suggest (because i know someone will say--well, what if I don't THINK that I am bein goffensive) that if someone takes what you say or do as offensive--seek to understand it and learn from it and not repeat it (at least, that is what I *try* to do).

Does that make sense?