"La raison pour laquelle «gouge» n'est pas considéré comme une affaire sérieuse est qu'il est si universel et pratiqué à une si grande échelle"

The quote is getting at this idea: some things are so common and widespread that we don't even see them as a big deal, even if they're actually pretty awful. It’s like they’re hiding in plain sight because they’re everywhere.

Let's set the scene. Imagine a world where people are charged exorbitant prices for basic necessities, but it’s so normal that nobody bats an eye. This is what the quote is about. It's from a broader discussion on economic practices and how certain exploitative behaviors become normalized because they are so widespread. The sentiment might've been expressed by someone frustrated with how large-scale economic systems, like capitalism, often lead to widespread gouging—charging way too much for things people need—yet we just shrug it off because "that's how things are."

Think back to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember when face masks and hand sanitizers were suddenly sold at sky-high prices? At the time, there were news stories about how some people were hoarding these items and selling them for ridiculous amounts of money. It was shocking to see a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer going for $50. But imagine if that kind of price gouging happened all the time and everywhere. It’d be so normal that we might not even protest it after a while. That’s what the quote is talking about—the normalization of something harmful because it’s so common.

So, how can you apply this idea to your life? First, stay aware. Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s right. Question the status quo. If you see something that feels off, even if everyone else is okay with it, take a minute to consider whether it should be that way. You might not be able to change the whole system, but you can make choices that align with your values. Maybe that means supporting businesses that are fair and ethical, even if it costs a little more. Or it could be as simple as calling out unfair practices when you see them.

Here’s a story to illustrate this. Picture yourself in a small town where there’s only one grocery store. The store owner knows they’re the only option, so they start raising prices on everyday items—milk, bread, eggs. At first, people grumble but pay up because they have no choice. Over time, the high prices become the norm. People stop complaining and accept it. But then, one person decides enough is enough. They start a community garden to provide fresh produce for free or at a very low cost. Others join in, and slowly, the dependency on the overpriced grocery store decreases. The store owner, seeing the shift, lowers prices to compete. This story shows how awareness and action, even on a small scale, can challenge and change harmful norms.

Remember, just because everyone else accepts something doesn’t mean you have to. Stay curious, question things, and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right. It might be tough, but making a change often starts with just one person who sees things differently.