The judge definitely had a lot to do with it. The reality is that the judge would have treated a black man differently, and that difference in tone affects the entire trial. As far as self-defense, I think what the jury overlooked here is that Kyle wasn't attached in his own home, and defended himself. He placed himself with a weapon in the situation. That's antagonization, plain and simple. It's akin to walking out in the street, and shouting "fight me", then when someone swings you dodge and punch back in a false claim of self-defense. That isn't self-defense, that's picking a fight. Same as this little boy with a big gun Kyle did.