The Miasma theory

The miasma theory (also called the miasmatic theory) is an obsolete medical theory, that held that diseases, were caused by a miasma (μίασμα, Ancient Greek for "pollution"), a noxious form of "" "bad air" "", also known as the night air that still should a meaning today on a psychological level.

The miasma theory was accepted from ancient times in Europe and China.

The theory held that epidemics were caused by miasma, emanating from rotting organic matter and this matter could be stupidity.
Though miasma theory is typically associated with the spread of contagious diseases and on this case we live on a fibromyalgia of stupidity, fake information creates a state of chosen ignorance, some academics in the early nineteenth century suggested that the theory extended to other conditions as well;
e.g. one could become obese by inhaling the odour of rotting food.

The theory was eventually given up by scientists and physicians after 1880, replaced by the germ theory of disease: specific germs, not miasma, caused specific diseases.
However, cultural beliefs about getting rid of odour made the clean-up of waste a high priority for cities.

Nowadays it seems that miasma as came back in a form of communal stupidity, as people can't overcome their new realistic normality without mystical censorship. Unknowing ignoring the real dust the grease and fluids involved on the more comprehensive expression of intelligence

The alternative hero complex that miasma is the sign of change for the worse an that the hero will have to learn to kill to save everyone else, a dark powered-down supergirl reluctant to go into action because you are a coward.