I disagree that this is a matter of what one WANTS(sic) to believe.
There is nothing at all to indicate that Martin was doing anything other than walking back from buying candy.
It is known that Martin was unarmed.
It is known that during the time frame that he was being followed by Zimmerman he was talking on the phone to his friend, who says that he knew he was being followed.
It is known that Zimmerman has a history of seeing monsters under the bed and of confronting individuals on the street. His suspiscions are based on his prejudices (coons/punks remark - 'they' get away with it remark). His 'account' (where did you read it?) would be self-serving at best, and based on his history and actions, not to be accepted at face value.
The entire question is simple...given what we know about Zimmerman's history and actions...along with the utter lack of any hint (beyond Zimmerman's call) of any nefarious action by the kid he shot to death...what is there to make you WANT to believe that Martin assaulted Zimmerman? What was his motive?
As I wrote earlier...if any one of my kids were accosted by any stranger, especially one who was as hyped as Zimmerman clearly was (his voice, word choice, actions) I would expect them to defend themselves as if their life depended on it --- which, as in this case, Martin's did.
The housing complex had had 5 burglaries in 8 months. Numerous residents have nothing but praise for the work of Zimmerman, who is NOT “self-appointed” watch captain as is being claimed by so many; he was appointed by the community. If you don’t believe me, I’ll be happy to direct you to interviews of the neighbors and of Zimmerman’s fellow neighborhood watch patrol members. Zimmerman had helped catch and convict at least one of the burglars who have been plaguing the community. Why are you joining with the rest of the lynch mob before getting the facts?