I could never understand that either! In medieval times people gathering around stocks, mocking the offenders. Or worse yet, cheering on people being beheaded by a guillotine, or witches being burned! That's why I always say our biggest defense against mob rule is a society based on law and order ... peacefully enforced, that is! That's why I fervently believe in Canada's, "boring" to some, motto:
"Peace, order and good government"
"Paix, ordre et bon gouvernement"
Covid convinced me, however, that peace can be a fragile thing, even in Canada!