When words are reinforced by institutions and ongoing actions, they are emblematic reminders of the barriers you can't cross. "Whites only," are just words, but they were also supported by policies and came with punishments that could include torture and death. So, yes, words can hurt. And considering the one word that most Black people who were lynched heard was THAT word as they look their last breath, your comment is callous, dangerous and why "soft racism" persists in this country.