On Stereotypes

In the same vein as my previous post, I got to thinking.... Stereotypes are brought about and perpetuated by the majority of any said group of people.

I honestly do not believe that the majority of Muslims are "disproportionately prone to violence". Taking into account the entire population, the percentage of those willing to strap bombs to themselves or go off-roading in their SUVs has got to be quite low.

What bothers is how the majority of the Muslim population seems content in allowing this stereotype of violence to continue. Granted, every now and then you'll get a condmenation of a bombing out of them, but that's about it.

So why is it that such a small minority is being allowed run rampant with the image of those who practice Islam? How is the majority letting such a small few negatively influence the world's perception of Muslims?

And more importantly.... why?