these people/efugee, IDP, evacuee

[Mullins, Bill]

>
> I've also heard countless uses of "these people" to refer to
> those displaced by the hurricane. This is a phrase that has
> long been offensive in the African American community.

Why is that?  Taken literally, it doesn't seem to demean (as "boy"
does).  Is there a figurative usage I'm not familiar with?  (asked
by a white guy who genuinely wants to learn).