# I am 17. It's dark and raining and this creep is following me, what should I do? Need answer fast. **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 4, 2012, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864 "2012-04-04T23:32:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2012, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/101 "2012-04-07T17:14:57Z")
Yes, we’ve seen this already. You’re arguing that we should ignore the experts contracted by a respectable news outlet to analyze the tapes because another expert chosen by a right-wing rag claims that they’re wrong. I can understand arguing that the audio experts may be wrong, but you seem to have decided to just believe the Daily Caller’s witness over The Orlando Sentinel’s based solely on the fact that they say what you want to believe rather than presenting reasons why they’re more credible. > [@Terr](#): > > Again: > > [http://dailycaller.com/2012/04/06/voice-forensics-experts-cast-doubt-on-orlando-sentinel-analysis-of-trayvon-martin-911-tape/](http://dailycaller.com/2012/04/06/voice-forensics-experts-cast-doubt-on-orlando-sentinel-analysis-of-trayvon-martin-911-tape/) > > Voice recognition experts who spoke to The Daily Caller questioned the methodology and conclusions of a voice-identification analysis published by the Orlando Sentinel on March 31. > > Dr. James Wayman, a San Jose State University expert in the field of speech science, told The Daily Caller that he questions the grounds on which Owen based his analysis. > > Wayman also said he would be willing to testify against the admissibility of Owen’s findings on the grounds that they don’t meet the criteria required for evidence in federal courts. > > The problem, he said, is that the two voice samples were recorded in difficult acoustic conditions over different cell phones. > > “Even if we were to have Mr. Zimmerman recreate the scream under identical conditions with the same cell phone,” Wayman explained, “it would be difficult to attribute the scream to him without a sample of a similar scream from Mr. Martin under the same conditions. This is clearly not possible.” > > One voice authentication expert whose work is commercial in nature told TheDC that screaming, stress, and a recording’s audio quality can “wreak havoc” on voice biometric software and its ability to interpret data. > > And speaking of Owen’s findings, another industry insider said that “a legitimate biometrics expert would likely refute the contentions” and suggests that these were “incendiary publicity plays.” ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2012, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/102 "2012-04-07T17:23:22Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > I can understand arguing that the audio experts may be wrong, but you seem to have decided to just believe the Daily Caller’s witness over The Orlando Sentinel’s based solely on the fact that they say what you want to believe rather than presenting reasons why they’re more credible. You believe what you want. I present facts. The “experts” on both sides say different things. If this ever gets to court and the prosecution will try to bring this up, it will blow up in their face. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2012, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/103 "2012-04-07T17:25:14Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > If this ever gets to court and the prosecution will try to bring this up, it will blow up in their face. If it gets to that point, they’ll have their own audio experts and won’t be quoting from the Orlando Sentinel. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/104 "2012-04-07T17:28:03Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > You believe what you want. I present facts. The “experts” on both sides say different things. If this ever gets to court and the prosecution will try to bring this up, it will blow up in their face. You don’t know what “the experts” say. You know what one guy chosen by a right-wing, partisan rag claims. By contrast, The Orlando Sentinel has vastly more credibility and been more evenhanded than The Daily Caller. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2012, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/105 "2012-04-07T17:32:18Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > You don’t know what “the experts” say. > > You know what one guy chosen by a right-wing, partisan rag claims. Three different guys. > [@](#): > > By contrast, The Orlando Sentinel has vastly more credibility and been more evenhanded than The Daily Caller. Suuuure. Cuz you want to believe them and not the others. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2012, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/106 "2012-04-07T22:41:32Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > Suuuure. Cuz you want to believe them and not the others. That comment is moronic. I don’t think the Orlando Sentinel is more reliable because I agree with them(in fact, at times I’ve criticized them). I think they’re more reliable because they are. Comparing the Daily Caller to them is like comparing Fox News to The New York Times. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2012, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/107 "2012-04-07T22:44:29Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > That comment is moronic. > > I don’t think the Orlando Sentinel is more reliable because I agree with them(in fact, at times I’ve criticized them). I think they’re more reliable because they are. > > Comparing the Daily Caller to them is like comparing Fox News to The New York Times. You’re not comparing newspapers. You’re comparing experts. One of them is named and credentialed in the Daily Caller article. What basis do you have for trusting the Sentinel’s expert more than the Daily Caller’s? ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/108 "2012-04-08T03:42:08Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > You’re not comparing newspapers. You’re comparing experts. One of them is named and credentialed in the Daily Caller article. What basis do you have for trusting the Sentinel’s expert more than the Daily Caller’s? You’re initial comment was in regards to my dissing of _The Daily Caller_, which you apparently think is a worthwhile source. > [@](#): > > **Ibn Warraq** > By contrast, The Orlando Sentinel has vastly more credibility and been more evenhanded than The Daily Caller. > [@](#): > > **Terr** > Suuuure. Cuz you want to believe them and not the others. You were responding to my dissing of \*The Daily Caller \*and it reliability as a source. Now, you seem to be running away from that and pretending your “Suuuure. Cuz you want to believe them and not the others” was regarding a different comment. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/109 "2012-04-08T03:46:37Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > You’re initial comment was in regards to my dissing of _The Daily Caller_, which you apparently think is a worthwhile source. Evasion noted. “Your”. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/110 "2012-04-08T05:04:44Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > Evasion noted. “Your”. Apologies for the grammatical error while typing fast. That said, you shouldn’t accuse people of “Evasion” if you don’t know what the term means. ---
**Author:** ![Terr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/111 "2012-04-08T16:23:48Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > Apologies for the grammatical error while typing fast. > > That said, you shouldn’t accuse people of “Evasion” if you don’t know what the term means. You certainly know what “attacking the messenger (The Daily Caller) while ignoring the message (the named/credentialed witness’s opinion)” means. ---
**Author:** ![tumbleddown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/112 "2012-04-09T03:48:26Z")
> [@Terr](#): > > You believe what you want. I present facts. The “experts” on both sides say different things. If this ever gets to court and the prosecution will try to bring this up, it will blow up in their face. Blow up in their face how? Unlike the shorthand in the Sentinel article, experts giving testimony in court will have to explain their methodology in detail and quantify their findings, including the wavelength analysis used to draw their conclusions and so on. If the prosecution cannot find scientists to present credible, clear and understandable evidence, they won’t bring the matter up at trial at all. And if they do, unlike whoever is quoted in the Daily Caller blog post, defense experts called to rebut prosecution experts would have to show _evidence_ to discredit the original experts’ methodology or findings, either proving that they didn’t follow the accepted methods in the field, or made a provable error in their interpretation of results. It’s not going to be a “it’s this” “nyah, no it’s not” slanging match in the courtroom. And frankly, let’s be honest. The Orlando Sentinel is a major metropolitan newspaper that has no apparent agenda in its news reporting. The Daily Caller is a blog with a specific political slant that has on several occasions in its “reporting” of this story printed things that were erroneous and had to be retracted, but furthered their agenda of “balancing” this story by spreading irrelevant negative information and/or images of a dead child. But by all means, continue to believe the Daily Caller wholesale while dismissing the Sentinel. It has an agenda just like you, it’s hand in glove. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2012, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/113 "2012-04-15T15:14:29Z")
I skipped a lot of this thread, but what I would tell my kid, and what I would have done at age 17, would have been to take a couple of turns to see if he really was following me. If he was, I would stop when I was far enough away, and calmly say, “May I help you sir?” all the while being ready to defend myself if necessary. Be polite. Be firm. Be confident, but not aggressive. Nine times out of ten it is a misunderstanding like what happened here and your words and conduct can diffuse the situation. If the aggressor keeps it up, saying stuff like you don’t belong in this neighborhood, etc. again calmly tell him that you are going to that house right over there, that you aren’t armed and if he doesn’t believe you he should call the police and you stand right here while this all gets sorted out. Now AFTER the confrontation is over and the danger has passed, then start asserting your rights. Tell the guy that you understand he wants to protect the neighborhood, but all you were doing was walking down the fucking street. Get his name and file a police report that the neighborhood watch captain is an overzealous asshole who is harassing people. Look into a restraining order depending on the circumstances. What you do not do (and I don’t know what happened here) is act like a badass. It will escalate a situation that started out high tension to begin with. ---
**Author:** ![dngnb8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/977dab/32.png) [@dngnb8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dngnb8)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2012, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/114 "2012-04-16T21:10:38Z")
> [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](#): > > I am a 17 year old kid in Florida. It’s dark and raining, and this creepy guy has been tailing me and won’t leave me alone. Driving slowly next to me. He’s making me pretty scared. My girlfriend thinks I should run. I’m not hurting anyone. I just wanted to get my brother some Skittles and myself a tea. Now he’s ignoring my questions and aggressively approaching me. I don’t know what he wants, but he makes me really scared. Would I be wrong to try to defend myself? > > **Note by posting to this thread you agree to seriously answer the question as posed as though it was being asked by your own child, unless you have already answered, in which case you agree to limit your discussion to either yours or debating and/or critiquing others answers. You agree that anything else is thread shitting/trolling.** > > The purpose of this thread is to explore the position that following someone in a reasonably threatening manor does not create a self defense situation. Need more info. Is this a first time event? What is the description of the guy following? Where is this happening? Is he on the phone to me? Considering that we know some of this information already, I would have said, get home now. Additionally, i would leave my home to meet him. I would never EVER tell my child to confront someone. I have scraped up enough bodies off the streets to know that is almost never successful. ---
**Author:** ![IntelliQ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e99b99/32.png) [@IntelliQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IntelliQ)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864/115 "2012-05-15T23:02:20Z")
> [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](#): > > I am a 17 year old kid in Florida. It’s dark and raining, and this creepy guy has been tailing me and won’t leave me alone. Driving slowly next to me. He’s making me pretty scared. My girlfriend thinks I should run. I’m not hurting anyone. I just wanted to get my brother some Skittles and myself a tea. Now he’s ignoring my questions and aggressively approaching me. I don’t know what he wants, but he makes me really scared. Would I be wrong to try to defend myself? > > **Note by posting to this thread you agree to seriously answer the question as posed as though it was being asked by your own child, unless you have already answered, in which case you agree to limit your discussion to either yours or debating and/or critiquing others answers. You agree that anything else is thread shitting/trolling.** > > The purpose of this thread is to explore the position that following someone in a reasonably threatening manor does not create a self defense situation. You call the cops on your cell if you have one and say to them hey someone looks creepy and suspicious. What you do not do, is beat the person to a pulp, smash his head into the ground, then try grabbing for the guy’s gun out of his belt. Not smart. Update: Medical reports on Zimmerman are consistent with him getting beaten and his head smashed on the ground. [ABC News Exclusive: Zimmerman Medical Report Shows Broken Nose, Lacerations After Trayvon Martin Shooting - ABC News](http://abcnews.go.com/US/george-zimmerman-medical-report-sheds-light-injuries-trayvon/story?id=16353532#.T7LexsXiWrY) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-17-its-dark-and-raining-and-this-creep-is-following-me-what-should-i-do-need-answer-fast/617864.md?page=5)