As much as I don't want to defend anything
@Anglefan has to say....
Lots of folks get offended by the term "race card." I personally hate the fucking term, but I'm not "offended" by it.
Just FYI, it is a very charged phrase that is so overused that it dilutes issues relating to race.
"Playing the race card" has a very negative connotation, and generally would mean a person is saying there is racial inequity where there isn't. It's unfortunately used as a catch-all dog whistle phrase to get folks to roll their eyes and walk away rather than listening to grievances.