Yes, and this is why the continuing racialization of America is so dangerous. It is not a crime to follow someone on a public street, and you cannot attack someone even if you think they followed you because you are black.
Further, it only makes sense that people notice someone who appears unusual to their neighborhood for any reason.
wwhat’s the likelihood Z would have ignored a 6’2 teenager wandering in that neighborhood late at night, no matter their race?
Also, from the testimony, Z called police after seeing Trayvon by a house which recently had been robbed, Z had called the police on that robbery, and he knew the homeowner.
A damn good reason to call the police, along with a rash of robberies.
Many dangerous things are not a crime and you typically don’t know why someone is following you.
If you're unarmed and someone is obviously following you through a dark empty neighborhood, no matter their intent, you'll get nervous and maybe do something stupid.
I spent my early years in this country in ‘the ghetto’ so it is no surprise that Trayvon would go for a first strike. Allowing your pursuer to attack first from behind will get you killed. Even today, I get ready to fight and turn around if I think someone is tailing me on an empty street.
This whole thing was a simple misunderstanding and over-reaction by both parties. Unfortunately it ended with an armed man fearing for his life and shooting someone else who probably also feared for his life.