Well I guess you guys better get fired up and ready! Flipping Out starts in June and that guy is a total as*hole, mean and degrading! I'm sure the morality police are preparing to have the show banned? Uh-huh. We'll see.

Maybe someone should show CPS your hateful posts and total neglect of your family while you spend your time on a board posting hate about a woman you will never know, who you do not NEED to watch (shouldn't you be spending time with your imaginary special need kids?). 5/6 hours a YEAR is all you get of Jackie Warner. F YOU! I'm sure I could pick up on some pretty obnoxious things in your life if I followed you around with a camera 7 days a week and then edited it down to 6 hours. Spare me. Everyone has a life. We all have challenges. Only psychos like you feel a need to tell people you don't know and will never know about it. Need validation honey? Sad.

Nothing more but a place for lonely middle aged women to vent. I can't believe I ever posted here.

You people are toxic poison. No wonder everyone is leaving. You give women a bad name.

PS- you really think that your heartache justifies your hate and hostility? You need therapy. I watched my sister bleed to death after a car accident. She was nearly decapitated. One minute I was sitting next to her in the back seat and the next, I'm on the side of the road with my dead sisters head bleeding out all over me! F U FU FU FU FU We ALL have suffered in our lives. Funny how you have decided to take that pain and turn it into a total non issue against a woman you don't know. Don't tell me I'm judgemental. You're the ones sitting around judging a woman you don't know 24/7!

UH, CHECK PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

UH..........CHECK PLEASE!!!!!!!

See this is what you don't understand. Flipping Out, title says it all.

When the viewers of that show, or any show really, that is made with

the express purpose of showing a guy or girl who act the way the guy

does in Flipping Out. I don't watch it because it is painful to see the

complicated and disturbing reasons this guy does what he does. I saw

a little of this show once. I didn't like it because of some of what he

is about, but more importantly, it is not a show anything like Work Out.

I have watched this show from the first episode and I LOVED IT. I

didn't care about Jackie being a Lesbian. The reason the show is no

longer LOVED by the people who are feeling so angry is because Jackie's

behavior became intolerable. Not the sex scenes either. The arrogance

and lack of concern for the people who became victims of Jackie's

arrogance. You have every right to disagree with any of us. To accuse

us of being anti gay or crazy is as bad or worse than how Jackie

has changed.

Kari Ana

This is where you are so wrong. None of us hate anyone. We are

no longer going to sit by while Jackie Warner lies about what she said.

She has stated over and over that she said nothing about the Client.

Everyone else involved in this situation says she did make comments

right along with Lisa. Lisa even says so in her blog. Jackie's treatment

of Rebecca, Erica and Peeler were clear to see on the show. You may

think such behavior is acceptable. If this is true I am glad you are not

in my life. I don't allow people to treat me the way Jackie has been

treating people this season. I sure hope you wake and come to realize

that sort of rude behavior is not acceptable.

Kari Ana

I refuse to respond too those who choose to attack someone on a personal opinion.
I have seen this all day and I think the best thing is to ignore these people.
If you like Jackie, Lisa and this program great post your comment on the contents of the show and characters.
Don't attack a viewer or a use to be a viewer. Once you also start attacking kids and families, "I am out"

please ignore these people's post....

I have seen the "anti-jackie force" make quite a few personal attacks. You need to get over yourself.

What a gay f*cking show. . Who watches this show? You do? May as well go kill yourself then!!!

I just recognized the irony of my screen name. I use it because I was delighted with a campaign in Toronto that began when word spread of a plan to build a tower eclipsing anything currently standing in the world. The campaign poster had the tower standing in the center of a vast circle; a circle representing the damage zone should the tower fall. It was visually impressive and had science and math teachers scrambling to rework classes in angles, vectors and force. Jackie Warner has her own fallzone and seems woefully unaware of the damage she is causing.

I am a lesbian, proud, successful and unjudged in my community. I am unjudged because being a lesbian has nothing to do with my success. I analyze problems and develop solutions. Ms. Warner has myriad problems, largely behavioral, and simple solutions ... stop the behaviors. "I am sorry and will make changes" would go leagues in the right direction, and possibly keep the tower from falling.

There are fences to be mended to be sure:
a) Since Stonewall in 1969, the gay community has been working to chip away at stereotypes ... cruising and recruiting being top of the list. Episode One of this season has Ms. Warner proudly proclaiming that during the hiatus she was never involved with any lesbians. Apparently she wants to reinstate the Toaster Oven Award for top recruiter.
b)On the Olivia Cruise, while reconnecting with an employee (another sub-category), the employee jabs with "you two could be sisters" ... The woman between them was neatly dressed with close-cropped hair. The kind of woman who has always taken the heat but also taken the lead in incidents like Stonewall. When she leaves the Blackjack table, Ms. Warner snuggles in to her employee and suggests that now the make-up has commenced perhaps the employee won't say such nasty things as I look like that old (couldn't quite hear the word) lesbian. Hardly an endorsement for diversity and unity.
c)Stop kicking dust on the lines between employer and employed. The amount of binge drinking that this show promotes should knock the Best Party Universities list off the polls. How can a business owner hope to keep a healthy working environment when adding sexual tension into the mix? Focus on employee strengths and forget personal bias. Peeler appeared to run varied and interesting "boot camps" ... encourage that behavior and avoid situations that will obviously cause resentment. Basic Management 101.
d)Stand up now, regardless of how bruised the ego, and apologize for the offense. Did it really matter that Nixon didn't break into the Watergate. The fallzone from his inability to accept responsibility for the incident is history. Ms. Warner does not have to follow the same path. Learn the history; avoid the same pitfalls.

I would love to see Ms. Warner stand up and really show pride. She is in a unique position to demonstrate the "growth" she only pays lipservice to at present.

I have a theory (music swells from Buffy the Vampire Slayer's episode "Once more with Feeling)....
I think the people who are mounting behind the campaign are tired, angry and frustrated.
We're tired of writing to Washington and being ignored by our leadership turning a deaf ear to our cries to bring our children home from the war.

We're angry about being lied to by our leaders and by some media who believes that point of view is the same as telling the truth.

We're frustrated with trying to have enough money to feed our families, and put fuel in our conveyences to go and earn a living, while the oil companies have the highest earnings they've had in history.

So we've brought the battle home on a scale where we think we can actually be heard , and the victory (although small) is significant.

I don't think this is a campaign of hate against one person (Jackie Warner) or one group of people (Lesbians). I hear the weary cries of sympathy and saddness. "Stop lieing (to us). Stop insulting our intelligence" ..."We believed in you, and you've corrupted that belief."

again, just my 2 sheckles
Gypsy in FL

Exteremely Well Said!!!! Thank you!!!!!


I love you for this one! Excellent points everywhere I read!!!

Wow a lot of trolling since my last post yesterday. Looks like Jackie's 2 or 3 fans ( possibly 1 or 2 duel accounting, lol ) are fighting to keep Workout on the air. Sad thing is the one reason they all have for wanting to save the show is that Jackie is gay, doesn't matter how she acts, that's just sad.

Facts are that most normal people who have been watching Workout for season 3 have been repulsed. Bravo and Jackie have pushed the limits of decency and thought it was gonna boost ratings and fill their pockets with green cash. Well it backfired and the viewing public and the sponsors of the show were sickened by what they saw. To insult the look of a breast cancer survivors breast is disgusting. People cant just look the other way in the name of gay unity, most people are better then that.

Keep calling the sponsors, banging on Bravos door and fighting to get Workout kicked off the air. Please join me in removing Bravos channel from your cable box using parental controls until they apologize and cancel workout.

Thank you Fallzone, that was very well said. I am so disappointed that a few have turned this into a "Gay" thing. It is so not about sexual orientation, or keeping a Lesbian from being successful in an attempt to require all to operate within the "straight" rules of society. This entire situation is about being held accountable for one's behavior. What a dis-service one does to one's self to believe that others have ultimate control over your successes or failures. I agree that Ms. Warner should have owned up to her indiscrestion and made a heartfelt apology. She had the opportunity to turn this into a very positive experience for all. She missed the boat.

ON ANOTHER TOPIC (sort of):
I wantted to address another episode which may have been addressed previously. I'm speaking of the episode where Jessie had dinner at a home and Ms. Warner arrived with Briana (whom Jessie comments was NOT invited).
During this episode , Ms Warner and Briana are making out at the table during dinner (to which they have arrived late, and the trainer's polled excuse her tardiness by saying "That's Jackie").
Also during the episode Brian Peeler commented "there's only so much lesbian kissing one person can take.".
I found myself "excusing" his remark because I found Ms. Warner and Briana's behaviour as rude and distastefull as well. However I think the comment from Brian Peeler reveals some prejudice in himself , as well.
Although the way it was worded, it seemed more a comment of ignorance than anger.
In a comparible situation (for example Greg Plitt and his date (she was also not invited) between a man and woman, wouldn't one of the (oft verbal) crowd have made some sort of remark exemplifying their discomfort? Something like "Get a room, guys!"?

Just offering a perspective.
Gypsy in FL

Wow, extremely well analysed and stated, thank you! Jackie could really turn this thing around if she would take your advice.

Your post accurately articulates the crux of the matter. If the offense was acknowledged (and I would add, not only by Jackie, but by Bravo too at this point) and addressed the situation would end (and I believe would never have become a sitation in the first place). We have been trying to say this, just not as well as you were able to. Hopefully your post will bear more fruit.

Yes...Thank you JC!

I can not stand the anti-gay bigotry, self-righteousness and downright lying I have seen in the last week because of this episode any longer. This situation has been blown out of proportion because Jackie is a strong lesbian. There has been a pattern by anti-gay bigots to bully lesbians into submission when they do something they "do not like." Remember back in 1998 when they went after Ellen after she came out? They lobbied the sponsors of her show to abandon it in an effort to force her off the air. Anti-gay bigots have continued to use that tactic ever since.

Jackie represents herself. One gay person does NOT represent all gay people. I have been hearing a lot of people saying Jackie is an embarrassment to the gay community. No, no, no. Straight people place all THEIR ideas about gay people into ONE gay person and then say they represent all gay people. It's a bigoted mindset. That's why I know this campaign is an indirect attack on gay people.

Jackie dates women. Anti-gay bigots have gone around accusing Jackie of being a predator (which is an anti-gay stereotype). All the women Jackie has dated are GROWN ADULTS. They are old enough to make decisions on their own.

Jaime Eason got breast implants for cosmetic reasons not because of cancer as the show implies. http://tinyurl.com/685spw

The hand ringing that Jackie attacked a women who lost her breasts to cancer (which Jamie Eason did not) in pure nonsense. Jackie didn't say anything about her breasts and the one that did apologized for it.

gypsyohara and fallzone, don't think your calling Jackie Ms. Warner has gone unnoticed. Anti-gay bigots use Ms. (last name) in a derogatory manner against lesbians especially older lesbians to emphasis their sexuality and martial status.

The people that say they will watch a show by Brian Peeler are liars. These are the same people that said they would watch The View when Rosie left. Yeah right!!!! The ratings have collapsed since she left.

*Gatorade pulled their sponsorship after reviewing episode 4, they waited to make their own conclusion and did not want to be associated with such a show.

We have watched the episode in question, and we too were surprised and saddened to see the conversations unfold between these trainers. Since this episode aired, we have heard from many viewers of The Workout who are also consumers of our product, and we understand and relate to your disappointment in what occurred.

We have notified Bravo we no longer wish to be associated with The Workout and will be pulling our commercials. Furthermore, we will not renew our sponsorship of this program in subsequent seasons. Please note, because this season's episodes, and past seasons' episodes, have already been filmed and edited, moving forward you may still continue to see Propel used in the show.

We take very seriously the concerns you have shared, and we understand why there is discomfort for our consumers with an association of Propel and The Workout, given the unfortunate events that unfolded during this week's episode. We hope our immediate actions send a clear message to the community that we greatly value what you have to say, agree with your sentiments, and appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns with us.

Gerri
Gatorade Consumer Response

*SOYJOY pulled ads until they could review episode 4, took until yesterday after they had viewed the episode to fully pull their sponsorship of Work Out.

We have asked Bravo not to air our SOYJOY commercials on Workout until we have had the opportunity to view the episode in question. As an advertiser, we select networks which appeal to a varying group of people but do not have the opportunity to view individual TV episodes prior to their airdates. We have requested a copy of the episode from Bravo and will review it this week.

After Review:

We viewed the clip and we will not be running commercials on Workout or the Workout section of the Bravo website.

Sincerely,
Wellness Advisor
Pharmavite, LLC
WA:268636-08


* Olivia - The Premier Travel and Entertainment Company for Lesbians pulled their sponsoship after they were poorly represented on the show, even though Bravo told them they would be portrayed in a positive way.

We have contacted Bravo regarding some of the content of Workout. We cannot control the final edit of the show, however, we were assured that the content relative to Olivia would be positive. We are not at all pleased with the final episode and will not allow Workout to be on any of our properties in the future

They all pulled sponsorship, but only after viewing the episodes for themselves.

Are you kidding me? Anti-Gay bigots use Ms. in a derogatory manner against lesbians especially older lesbians to emphasize their sexuality and marital status? Kill me...I swear..this is getting stupid!

I think truereality should take your anti-gay concerns and voice them with Olivia - The Premier Travel and Entertainment Company for Lesbians, since they pulled their sponsorship of Work Out.

Our little small group is growing 629 and still counting Spread the word!

PETITION LOCATION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/643731154

Interesting thing about titles ... they are age-related ... generally identifying the user as being of a certain age, or of having parents who instilled the same values. They are used out of respect in my generation, a generation that clearly remembers Stonewall and Woodstock. I was taught to stand when guests entered who were my seniors, and to address them as Mr., Mrs. or Ms. Whatchamacallit until asked to do otherwise. I still stand when someone older enters the room, although that is becoming alarmingly less frequent. My old mentor in journalism read me the riot act once for the clumsy spelling of a source's name. He hammered away that the only thing that is truly our own is our name, and it must be respected. I may not respect Ms. Warner's behavior, but I would not address her any other way until she said "please, call me Jackie ... and I'm sorry if my responses have not adequently discharged your concerns".

Just received an email response from Tylenol...they are forwarding my concerns to the appropriate department for review of their continued sponsorship of Work Out.

gypsyohara and fallzone, don't think your calling Jackie Ms. Warner has gone unnoticed. Anti-gay bigots use Ms. (last name) in a derogatory manner against lesbians especially older lesbians to emphasis their sexuality and martial status.

I don't know if it's an age thing (on my part ) or not. I am not a friend of Ms Warner, and do not feel comfortable using her "familiar name". I tend to fluctuate on calling people "Ms." and their given names. Oddly enough I had no idea this was something that "Anti-gay bigots use in a derogatory maner against lesbians (especially older lesbians) to emphisize their sexuality and maritial status."
For the record, in school, and this has stayed with me since, I was told that "Ms." was the female equivalent of "Mr." --meaning that "Mr." does not signify sexual orientation, maritial status, only gender and that the gentleman in question was not a minor (if he was a minor, that woud be indicated by the preface "Master").
While filling out the myriad of forms one is forced to complete living in the US, I always use the preface "Ms." when making reference to myself , and I am a mature, married woman.
So if you inferred that my terminology of "Ms" when making reference to Ms. Warner, was indicative of my "Anti-Gay Bigotry" then the misunderstanding is you own, and has no resemblence to my own intention.

Gypsy in FL

Thank you fallzone and gypsyohara for responding to that absurd comment regarding the use of Ms. (Do they just make this stuff up?)

You guys make stuff up. The supposed letter from Jamie was a fake! She hasn't made any comments to TMZ or otherwise and there have been ZERO confirmations from Pepsi Co/Gatorade regarding pulled sponsorship over the matter. Not ONE single legitimate news source has even addressed any of these absured claims! NOT ONE! Just a bunch of blogs and rumors perpetuated by a bunch of angry bitter people who have not cause and nothing better to do than try to destroy someone elses life.

The biggest joke is that Jamie Eason and her boyfriend actually haven't made any sort of relevant appearance or comment. Just you idiots making up fake letters, comments and Brian Peeler grasping for the tiny bit of a no life he has.

YOu are a joke! Your petition is a joke! NO ONE cares!!!!!!!! Only you because as I said, you have nothing better to do with your time except spread malicious hateful venom.

FYI: TMZ does not count as a credible news source for the morons that think that blip is some sort of validation. They lifted Jamie's quote from your fake Bodybuilder forum (who removed the faux letter btw). If your little angry mob was so successful than why haven't any legit news outlets reported on it? Why not even a lesser Entertainment Show? HUH? WHY?

The fact that you have to make up fake letters and emails and fake a petition is pretty lame. AS I said, if this was REAL on any level a WHOLE lot more would be speaking about it and be concerned. This is just a 'blog/forum' issue for lonely people. Hold on tight folks! Hey, why don't you idiots actually meet in person? How about a protest in front of SkySport? I'd love to see your faces in the light of day! However, I'm pretty sure most of you are just internet bullies who are shallow cowards hiding behind your screens.

When I was a young girl Ms didn't exist. It was Miss if you are single.

Mrs if you are married. The thing is, Ms. was created to stop the

double standard. Those who use Ms in a derogatory manner are

usually the White Males who have Feminists. Being a Lesbian isn't

even part of it. Any woman can be called Ms in a derogatory manner

because the issue is feminism not sexual preference.

I am finding it unbelievable how some people think this is an anti gay

thing. If I worked for someone who treated people the way Jackie

has been treating people this season and some from last season I'd

quit. No one deserves to be bullied the way Jackie has been bullying

people.

Kari Ana

FYI: IF Gatorade really pulled sponsorship over this issue, they would have issued a press release. They would not send some stupid email to an unknown person. I gather none of you have actually been employed by an actual business?

Also, if this is such a giant issue with Cancer victims and the Gay Community, where are they? Why haven't the Breast Cancer Organizations demanded an apology? Where is GLAAD? Oh yeah! They think you are nuts and that it's an edited show! Jackie is a human who made some comments. The organizations aren't going to get involved with your petty hate. This forum has become an example to them as to why they should NOT go near the issue or believe anything you liars put out there.

I'll check back later after you geniuses link up some legit press and legit press releases from companies and organizations. Get a clue!

blah blah blah. Thanks for educating the world Kari. Now where are those legit Breast Cancer Organizations, GLAAD and legit press on the issue that you seem to be sooooooooooooo concerned with? You need a hobby Kari. Why don't you go volunteer somewhere? Why don't you visit a prison and preach your hypocritical sermon to the inmates? I'm sure you can change the world!

OK, so I went to bed last night after I responded to someone saying that all stright people are in essence horried, don't support other lifestyles & don't work for any other causes. I mentioned that I do support anyone, no matter lifestyle, I commented on the shows he, or she I'm not sure, mentioned, I also stated that I do have other causes & one I mentioned was children. My husband & I do foster care, a very hard, time consumming & extreamly rewarding adventure. So today I found this personal attack. I almost didn't respond..but I will once & then I won't mention it again.

As far as my "hateful hurtful post" you obviously haven't read any that I have writen. I stood up for Jackie in many ways, I just asked that this situation be addressed more fully & from what we saw, a public apoligy to the clients in question would be good.

As far as negleting my family, that is just funny. Do you think they were up that late?? And just because I know it was said out of concern, to ease your mind, they are at school now so don't worry your little head.

And as for my heartache & sad life.. you totally missed that boat. My life is really amazing. My husband is fantastic & a great dad & my boys are absolutly the light of my life. I only mentioned them to show that I DO care about other issues.

I am so sorry about your sister. I can't imagine. I hope you have close family & friends to share your heartache & memories with, especially the good ones. Best of luck to you.

I replied to your slanders of those of us on this list

who are weary of the bad behavior of Jackie Warner.

As far as the Gatorade pulling their support, several

articles about this has already been posted. I have

a full life. This is why there are somtimes major gaps

with the posting. I may have a few posts in a row but

this is from me going away and then coming back to

reply to the latest posts. It is arrogant for anyone to

make the kinds of assumptions and accusations you have

been making. I am not on a television show as Jackie is

so my life is not public domain as Jackie's is.

Kari Ana

Kari Ana

You have the right to state your opinion, but your personal attacks on fellow members of this forum will not be tolerated. If you don't believe GATORADE pulled their sponsor for Work Out than send them an email and ask why the PROPEL bottles are blurred on the show. To find the truth we must all do some digging of our own. I have done the research and came up with my own opinion and I hope you do the same. God Bless

Oh sad sad Jackie, or whichever LieSport sycophant you are. You just can't get it thru your thick head that it is not about Cancer or Sexual Orientation at ALL!

It's about a gym owner making catty comments about a client, most likely out of jealousy. Then lying about her role in it and refusing to own up to her actions. Talk about a lack of courage.

Dacia...why do I think you are Jackie, or at least one of her cohorts. I remembered an interesting comment from a post Gypsyohara made recaping some of the last episode:

"One "pet peave" : I realize I'm being picky on this one, but Ms. Warner seems to call a lot of people "Honey" ...and during this episode calling Dienie "Sugarplum/Honey". If a man were doing that, I'm sure it would be considered condescending, I think it's very condescending--not a term of endearment, as Ms. Warner made it quite clear that she has little respect for Dienie ." Gypsyohara

Now a direct quote from you last night:

"Only psychos like you feel a need to tell people you don't know and will never know about it. Need validation honey? Sad." Dacia

Hmmmm...condescending use of the word honey....now who do we know like that...

If it's not you Jackie than it's one of your underlings doing your bidding. Dacia and Jack123 seem to have way too much inside info to be regular posters. Dacia(Jackie)'s posts on these board have been the most hatefull I have seen from any of the so called haters.

Dacia(Jackie), please stop posting here and take Jack123(Jackie) with you. You already have a blog to post your frustrations and anger. Stop crapping all over our forum for voicing our frustrations and disappointments.

KariAna, pob02 & d1gth1s, thoses were all good responses. I won't quote them all, but well said.

Yes...Noelrae, Kari, pwb02 and d1gth1s..your intelligence, compassion and class are noted and appreciated...thanks!

Hi it is me.

I can not believe we are chatting about Mr. Miss. Mrs. and Ms. I always thought Ms. was used to refer to divorced women or women who wanted to use that title.

I know!...Go figure...who knew it was an antigay bigotry term nowadays. I must've inadvertantly offended dozens of women...

I too have must have unknowing offended my best friend and others. I sure can not figure this one out and don't think I will even try.

I too have must have unknowing offended my best friend and others. I sure can not figure this one out and don't think I will even try.

Sorry about the double post above, something is screwy here.

I guess next time I'm at the doctors office and they call Ms. Nelson I should just stand up and scream, "Stop calling me an old lesbian!"

Our little small group is growing 644 and still counting. Spread the word!

PETITION LOCATION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/643731154

Was thinking something very similar.

I am so glad to hear that this is your response to the way you were treated last night! When I read it I wanted to let you know that it said a lot about the person who posted it, not about you, your family or your life. What you shared was touching and real and shows that you and your family are people who care and are working in tangible ways to make a real difference for good in the world! You responded with tact, gentleness and humor (and not with what would be justifiable anger at the way you had been treated) - I am impressed! And your response speaks volumes about you as a person! My respects, Well done!

Nope. It was part of the Woman's Liberation Movement. Women cast

of the label that said Married or single and shortened it to Ms. This

happened long before the White Male had even come up with that

sweet name Feminazi. Until I was about 14 Ms didn't even exist. Then

of you didn't use it you were old fashioned.

Kari Ana

QUOTE (d1gth1s @ May 15, 2008 - 02:01 PM)

You just can't get it thru your thick head that it is not about Cancer or Sexual Orientation at ALL!

It's about a gym owner making catty comments about a client, most likely out of jealousy. Then lying about her role in it and refusing to own up to her actions. Talk about a lack of courage.

No you can't get it through your head that Jackie did not make those comments and the one that did apologized for them.

Some people are on a crusade because Jackie exercised her power as owner of SkySport and finally fired Brian Peeler. He constantly defied her from day one. Just before this incident he was told to put on his uniform, a SkySport t-shirt. This guy was hired for the show, he has no fitness certificate yet he had the nerve to tell Jackie how to run her business which she had long before Brian showed up.

Fallzone, people of your generation clearly remember Stonewall? The Stonewall riots were barely covered by the media. As Ian McKellen explains in this clip (50:30 minutes onward; http://tinyurl.com/558wz4 ) from the Charlie Rose show most gay people had no idea the Stonewall Riots happened until years later.

In the context of this situation Ms. Warner is derogatory. I have yet to see anyone write Mrs., Mr. or Ms. for anyone else. It was clearly used to emphasize her age, sexuality and maritial status.

I'm sure you have not. I go by Ms. and I know a lot of other women who do as well. None of us has ever heard of it as anything but a term of respect (just like the term "Mr.")!

Ask your best friend and the others what they think about it - that should clear it up. If they are like me, they will not see it as offensive but as a term of respect.