Never really watched the Sopranos outside of 2-3 episodes so I can't say whether that show portrayed Tony as a hero...but I think any complex depiction of a gangster makes him harder to label with one word or one way.

I think American Cosa Nostra, like any ethnic crime organization..rises by first victimizing members of their OWN community so I'm not sure that there are many or any of the Italian American members here who idolize the mob.