This comment provoked me to go on a little search for its usage and history. I think this short essay on the word is useful. https://ejournals.bc.edu/index.php/lingua/article/view/5456/5086

I think one of the conclusions it offers is somewhat valid, that the English language has used the white vs black, light vs dark as a literary and poetic device for centuries with religious links as well. It can be hard to disentangle well-meaning attempts to censor certain terms and styles of speech from having to combat a whole nest of developed cultural norms (that aren't necessarily outright racism).