This perspective, however, is primarily negative. Distorted perceptions occur readily in the media. Western economic self-interest, political expediency, and material interest cloud any fair or just treatment of Islam. Some abuse their religion to justify, in the name of Islam, the violence they commit. Personal notoriety results.
Political causes are the focus.
The stereotypical notion of all Muslims as violence-prone zealots falsifies true Islamic practice. Our common attitude toward Islam suffers because the way we understand it has been hijacked by the extreme and the superficial. Our judgment of Islam has been grossly distorted by the extremes to be the norm. The extremes exist, and they must be dealt with. But when used as a basis to judge a society, they lead to distortion and unfairness.