To those comparing mafia to this— it's not even close because while I agree that the mafia shouldn't be romanticized in any way, comparing that to the history of slavery and racism is just unbelievable. Given the historical context the author is portraying, racism and slavery were far more widespread, systemic, and impactful, so presenting them the way they are in the story raises different concerns than the depiction of organized crime.
To those comparing mafia to this— it's not even close because while I agree that the mafia shouldn't be romanticized in any way, comparing that to the history of slavery and racism is just unbelievable. Given the historical context the author is portraying, racism and slavery were far more widespread, systemic, and impactful, so presenting them the way they are in the story raises different concerns than the depiction of organized crime.