Why did the Americans make the Innocence of Muslims?

Answer 1

Firstly, "the Americans" didn't make it; a select group of Americans did and most Americans think it is a really piss-poor critique of Islam and is probably a better example of how to not make a film. However, most Americans do defend the Freedom of Speech right that protects the creation of such speech.

As to why the individuals who made this film made it, there are numerous possibilities. Some could be the continuing mistreatment of minorities in Muslim countries, some could be responding to the belligerence with which Muslims respond to any issue concerning Mohammed, some could just have thought the idea was funny (twisted sense of humor, but it takes all kinds), etc. There is no way to get into the mind of a person and the film's creator(s) have not released a public statement as to their motives.

As to why Americans support the right to make this movie, regardless of its crass and incendiary nature, is the idea that no viewpoint unless it actively incites violence (such as ordering people to bomb buildings, not angering people). Americans believe that no idea or virtue can be beyond the callous scrutiny of parody or mockery and that includes cherished faiths of which Islam is just another one. This confuses Arabs who believe that freedom of speech should be suspended whenever Islam is discussed (but strangely they have no issue with belittling other religions, including other sects of Islam).