A theory as to why hero worshipping is a phenomenon, is that someone who is deemed to be innovative and useful could pass on the know how to the group in order to collectively survive and thrive. And from my observation, a dark parallel applies to “villain” worshipping. Like, someone who is already brazenly and unashamedly corrupt is still fawned over upon. Deep down, the supporters must be thinking “Impressive. How are they getting away with it? What are they doing that I could also do, to get away with such shameless act?”
I think you are basically right. They will put up with almost anything, as long as their leaders tell them they are inherently superior to {fill in the blank}. And that the only reason they aren’t treated that way is because the opposition is keeping them from their rightful place. They don’t want to earn it. They think they deserve it, just for being {fill in the blank}.
It mostly comes down to racism, but it can also include misogyny, homophobia, religious fanaticism, nationalism, and almost anything else that can be used to differentiate between them and groups of others. The key is that they don’t have to do anything to feel superior. They just are. That makes it seem obtainable, no matter how ridiculous that looks from outside.