I think it is more about the fear of receiving harm from “others” outside their local group and placing the blame on those outsiders. Like blaming Gypsies/Travelers and other nomadic groups for things when they are around, or the antisemetic hatred based on myths of being society manipulated by Jews.
Pandemics remind people that there is a world out there that could affect them negatively and they want a group to be a part of and people outside that group to blame.
Obviously not universally true for all people, but a significant portion.
I think it is more about the fear of receiving harm from “others” outside their local group and placing the blame on those outsiders. Like blaming Gypsies/Travelers and other nomadic groups for things when they are around, or the antisemetic hatred based on myths of being society manipulated by Jews.
Pandemics remind people that there is a world out there that could affect them negatively and they want a group to be a part of and people outside that group to blame.
Obviously not universally true for all people, but a significant portion.
And the fascist side of it appeals most to the uneducated people.
Eh, Eco described it as appealing to the " frustrated middle class", and honestly I can see it.