Why is there such a cultural fascination with anal sex?

I hope I am doing this right!

Anyway, I wanted to hear some opinions on the matter. It seems straight men(especially young men) seem to have a fascination with anal sex with women. It is like it's a sacred thing to be prized above say vaginal sex.

I'm going to take a guess that this has something to do with pornography, obviously. I mean is it still such a taboo when porn is absolutely saturated with it? [TW] And on top of that, these women clearly do not look like they are enjoying it. Sometimes downright crying in pain.

But anal sex isn't a new thing. So is this about dominance? Humiliation? I have heard some men say it doesn't feel much different but it's a "psychological thing". No further explanation after that.

Is this just a simple case of tasting the forbidden fruit? Because I don't think it's as simple as that. What are your thoughts?

Note: I am speaking about straight cis men in particular. I also understand everyone enjoys all kinds of sexy sex and that some women genuinely enjoy anal sex as well.