I think what you’re pointing to here is that systems of human hierarchy are culturally determined. Yes, sure. And in many ways not comparable in their details. But what’s the point? That human hierarchy is just not that big a deal in some places because it’s legible? Because it’s gentle? Because it’s not as bad as somewhere else? I believe that people at the bottom of social systems worldwide would disagree! Wherever one person’s expression of human potential and desire are made secondary to another’s, there is suffering. Add in bondage, and then violence, which Eudocia endured, and holy shit, are you kidding me? Even if you wanted to argue cultural context, which makes little sense here once the family is in the U.S. and clearly knew holding a person in servitude was wrong and should be concealed, that’s not my point here. My point is that we should each be looking for how WE create and maintain systems of human hierarchy in our own everyday lives. Injustice small is what leads to injustice large. If there were no existing framework for indentured servitude of immigrants in the U.S., Eudocia’s captivity would’ve been harder to conceal. We are far too comfortable with human hierarchy and the subjugation of whole groups of people based on their category or identity. The “wrong” is not in a previous generation. That’s just where it’s clearest to see. So far, the stories of those who’ve been at the bottom of human hierarchies are putting forth a clear message: I matter; this is wrong; you have no right. No amount of “cultural explanation” should supercede that.