I lived in Columbia SC for 16 years and was also the victim of affirmative action policies in hiring many, many times. Especially when applying for a government job. That was 10-15 years ago.
It is absolutely reverse racism no matter how many people want to live in a bubble of denial. It is blatant discrimination against white people that has been made law. It is hidden under an umbrella of “reperations for slavery” in a sense and that is used to justify racism. Sorry, but no one alive today was involved in slavery on either side of the coin.
But, don’t expect it to get better!! Now you have that coupled with “diversity” hiring. Degenerates, laziness, and no skills or work ethic are what matters. Not work ethic, experience, education, or character. So buckle up!!