Interpret the statement 'Things that were quite unspeakable went on there in the packing houses all the time, and were taken for granted by everybody;only they did not show as in the old slavery times, because there was no difference in color between

In context, this excerpt alludes to the workers as slaves and the companies as masters. It is a comment to status not skin color, illustrating that slavery and abominable acts continued even after the practice was abolished..... it was widespread and color-blind. The desperation of those in poverty closed many an eye and mouth.