I've never believed that Trayvon ran up on Z to throw the "first punch."

[Blue_Tires]

7. Even though people keep trying to tell me it doesn't matter...

The biggest false assumption from the public and even some well-minded DUers is that Zimmerman went into this situation in good faith with the warm, friendly charm of Andy Griffith or something...The problem truly starts when Zim first sees Martin and doesn't think "random, regular person"; he thinks: "potential criminal to be questioned/detained/apprehended at once, by force if necessary"...

That flipped switch in his brain influences EVERY thought and action from that moment forward, including his body language, the physical stance he'd take in approaching Martin, to the tone of his voice and the words he'd say -- Likewise Martin will read Zimmerman's stance and react MUCH differently than he would have under normal circumstances...Anyone, and I mean ANYONE who has EVER been racially profiled by LEOs will know this...

...Zimmerman, adrenaline pumping, self-styled protector of his neighborhood, trusty sidearm on his hip, is now in 'hunter' mode psychologically, and Martin, adrenaline pumping, alone, in a neighborhood he's only sort-of familiar with and with only a few moments to desperately evaluate an incomprehensible situation, is in 'fight-or-flee for survival' mode...