I'm going to quote a few posts - again, please don't take them as me deconstructing your arguement as they are very good (and discussion worthy) points.
I don't know how much the Muslim community that rocky refers to, the one which doesn't share the extremist viewpoints, is doing to try and get their own views across.
The extremist issue is somewhat of a problematic one in the community in this country. In most, if not all, the cases the more radical kind seem to come from youth between the ages of 16-24 (in my experience, that is). The problem with this age (as with most youth), is that you get the anarchist and immature emotions coming out - and can be very dangerous when mixing with politics. Especially when you have some random "cleric" on your case, its very easy to get some quite extreme viewpoints.
I wouldn't call these kids bad - but severely misguided. They will only promote what is taught to them. It is sad that their mindset enters a vicious circle where they are taught to believe that those, including parents, who try to detract them from these thoughts are considered as "sell-outs" - again, this may not be the case with everyone but it was with me.
I'll confess that I have entered this frame of mind (it lasted about 1 month :p) and it is quite difficult not to fall in - especially when you consider all the injustice happening in the world. Luckily, when I came to uni, I met some decent and thoughtful yet practicing muslims in my yeargroup who have helped me. Unfortunately, this may not be the case for everyone.
Not really helped by the media yet again, but to the young muslim, there are only two types of muslim you see portraying the religion (imo):
- The random extremist cleric.
- Some random sell-out cussing the religion and giving their point of view of what religion should be about.
With this in mind, its easy to get confused with your identity - and with mass confusion, you often get extremism breeding.
There is no clear cut solution to stop extremism. But, I strongly believe that it is very important for the current generation of muslims to set an example and change these stereotype images. Ideally show that they can be respected, successful in whatever they do
and be a fully practicing muslim.
That is not to say that they shouldn't involve themselves in politics - but rather they should go into it with the right frame of mind - and you will not get this with an immature and extremist attitude. Although I fully support the marches and demonstrations, I think many will agree that the radical highlights were totally uncalled for. I guess some people are just there to cause a ruckus at the end of the day - its a shame as it gives everyone a bad name.
And with so many people offended, they've achieved their goal.
But if muslims chose to ignore it, these cartoons would have been forgotten like the cheap XXX ads that you get at the back of the paper before the sports section.
Although I will agree with that point to an extent for certain situations, the imagery of the Prophets is quite a big issue within Islam. Note that I mention the prophets - which includes Jesus, Moses, Abraham, Noah etc..
When you focus your life on the teachings of a few people, it is easy to idolize them (especially when you can visualise them) - which is strictly prohibited in Islam.
If an image of a random muslim was put up with bombs in their turban, it wouldn't have been so badly taken. That is something which can be so sadly related to in recent times - hence why it may be of a satirical nature. However, the portrayal of the prophet in such a manner is considered to be an unlawful attack on his personality (which is highly regarded of) - and hence the religion.
Although many have been deeply offended by the cartoons but its important to put things in perspective. I'll give the benefit of the doubt that the Danish newspaper didn't anticipate that it will create offence - or at least to the extent that it has done worldwide. Lets partake in demonstrations to make a point that this particular issue is sacred, let lessons be learnt by everyone, and lets move on. I cannot stress enough that the extreme extent of the protests are totally uncalled for and untolerated in Islam.
Also, an Iranian newspaper is now calling for their own editorial cartoon contest in which the best cartoons "denying the existance of the holocaust" (or I suppose otherwise knocking the West) will be printed to see how the West likes a taste of their own medicine.
If you believe the media and politics is the West is bad, it is nothing compared to the media in the muslim world
I must correct myself in that I cannot describe that world as being "muslim" but more of being a "faux muslim cultured" society. Sadly, an immense proportion of the politics and ongoings cannot be classified as Islamic (although it is unfortunately perceived that way by the rest of the world). Currently, no "Islamic" state exists.
For those who have knowledge on the matter, please correct me if I'm wrong, but a lot of the politics going on there is largely based on being anti-West. It is easy for many to hate the west, and the media and politicians ruthlessly uses this to sway readers and votes.
The fact that random Iranian president candidate questioned the integrity of the Holocaust probably got him a few thousand extra supporters - such is the sad case.
Another important (yet perhaps irrelevant) issue I wanted to touch on actually is this whole issue of the muslim/jewish relationship. There is a lot of history between the two religions (as well as Christianity) which I invite you to read up on. The issue of Israel however is a somewhat complex one. People against the existence of Israel should direct their anger towards the Zionists and not the Jews (however, many are zionists themselves). It is them who justify the killing of many palestinians on land which is unlawfully theirs. Unfortunately however, many seem to blur the boundary between the two and blame jewish people.
Again - contrary to belief - attack on another religion is strictly prohibited. Not many will have the same ideals as you but it doesn't mean that they should be persecuted - this is highlighted in many Islamic literature (and not from out-of-context summaries found in the News of the World).
So, as you can imagine, these cartoons/reports found in "muslim" papers are highly disregarded upon by most Islamic scholars. Most people should ignore them - unfortunately this is not the case for many
As always, I must stress that this post on a highly sensitive and complex issue doesn't represent everyone's view. I may have gotten some of my points wrong or of a debatable nature - so please consult someone with more knowledge (ideally someone without a hook for a hand!). I hope anyway, it has shed a lil light on the issue
No one outside of Iran will care. 
