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Race hate in Louisiana was broadcast in the UK on Thursday, 24 May, 2007 at 1900 GMT on BBC Two.

The comments published on this page reflect the balance of views we have received.

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As a Briton studying at university in Louisiana, I have been amazed by the racial divide that exists in much of the state. For the most part, the black and white communities exist in almost total isolation of each other. It has to be said, however, that the hatred comes from both sides and I have witnessed much aggression directed towards whites by African-Americans.
Ben, Lafayette, Louisiana

I was aware that such tensions are still prevalent in the so-called 'first world, developed' countries in 2007, but watching this programme reminded me of the sad world we live in. It disgusts me that people are treated in this way, and makes me wonder what hope we have of 'eradicating poverty' when communities in the richest nations in the world are left to live in squalor whilst their neighbours are so comfortable.
Olivia Henry, London

We talk about the disputes in the Middle East and centuries-old feuds between those people, then posture that we have nothing like that here in the U.S. Aren't we ridiculous? I'm so glad the BBC covers this - CNN doesn't...
Mary Webster, USA

Thank you for a superb programme and excellent reporting. I am 70 and for the first time in my life last year visited Georgia, Alabama and Florida where I have family (white family - although I feel guilty having to express that!). I found only friendly and courteous people of both hues and had a very informative and pleasant time. I did feel an undercurrent of intolerance from time to time but the awkwardness was overcome by politeness. I found your programme depressing and worrying. I feel so sorry for the black youths as it appears that they do not stand a chance. Perhaps the black community should have a newspaper of their own to give the alternative point of view - but then would the whites read it?
Peter Donovan, Banbury

Having watched the programme, the story didn't surprise me in the least. What does surprise me is that with all the black millionaire actors, singers, rap artists and sports stars contained in America, I don't think any of them have taken up the fight. I am a poor man in England, and watching that programme boiled my blood. How could a black American sit down and do nothing? I am not blaming you, but from England, it looks like Black America can so easily become complacent. Especially if you consider that some of these people could literally own Jenna, and that would be small change to them. Are you going to sit down and wait for another Bob Geldof to come and save your own people? (No disrespect Bob we love you). But you see my point, Jenna thinks it can disrespect it's black poor because the rest of the black population of America is allowing it.
Nigel John, Northampton

I can only hope that local, national and international condemnation of the injustice of the whole situation will make the powers that be see sense and do the right thing and drop the charges against these young men.
Mrs Lynne Ranghel, London

How can a "civilised" country like America send schoolboys to prison for up to 50 years? While their leaders have all been busy fighting the war on terror, ordinary Americans are still fighting the war against segregation and race hate.
Kirsty Richards, Suffolk

The notion that the nooses placed in the tree were a prank is just ridiculous and the people who suggest that that was the case know full well there was a malevolent racist intent behind it.
Lee Knight, Chesterfield

The idea of schoolboys going to prison for a school fight is horrific enough in itself, without contemplating the lengths of terms that they are facing. In my opinion, a playground fight is a less serious crime than the one where the culprits got suspended for a few days. Hanging nooses in a tree because the black school children no longer want to be excluded from shading under the tree is a serious threat. This action is a direct threat of murder to the black pupils. Furthermore, it cuts deep wounds considering many of these black communities have suffered lynchings in the not too distant past, and is a sharp reminder of how inhumanely they have been treated. Surely this incitement to race hatred and the associated violent threats should have led to those white culprits going to court? And shouldn't our government intervene in terms of international human rights?
Mary Douglas-Dowden, Devon