[Lillie_Steins]

Great analysis SP. I'll come to the last question later.

Always go back to the definition.

One dictionary says, fanaticism means"

"excessive intolerance of opposing views".

Here, I think we can see that element of fanaticism in a person means that basically he has ego the size of Airbus A380. He or she thinks that they are right. In our context, that their hero is infallible. That he is the best. You lead; I follow, I don't care what other's say about you, Oh leader/talaivar/guru/etc.

So, education has nothing to do with fanaticism. Many religious fanatics are highly educated people. In fact, education itself kind of led to the belief that he/she is right. "I have masters in film studies, therefore when I say Vijaykanth is the greatest since Laurence Olivier, you better believe me." (Just an example. Don't you captain fanatics come after me).

So, those with education has ego aiding them. Those without education basically needs fanaticism for hope. For relief. For escape, like how you put it so nicely, SP.

Why men; more than women?

Can I say, ego? In our part of the world, women were usually 'put' in their place for a loooooooooong time. Their opinions were not valued. But my argument here is weak.

Another important element that needs further study is impact of culture. In oru culture, 'loyalty' is freakin' important. You be loyal or you die. Change of loyalty may be sign of weakness. Let's say I switch from Viyakanth camp to T Rajender camp. VK campers will think that I am weak, cannot make up my mind. I'd be humiliated (not that being in TR's camp is a great honour).

But let's not get deep into analysis coz I'm just a humble journalist, not psychiatrist.