No, "fascism" is not unpopular simply because of that association. It's unpopular because its core principles as stated by its own proponents - authoritarianism

No, "fascism" is not unpopular simply because of that association. It's unpopular because its core principles as stated by its own proponents - authoritarianism, nationalism, violence as a tool of policy (which the "fasces" visually represents) - were already in disrepute at its founding. It was meant to be a bad word to those who believe in democracy, globalism, and non-violence.