Rev Al Sharpton and Dr. Boyce Discuss Serena Williams, Kanye West

Were there any racial implications to the recent outbursts by Serena Williams and Kanye West? Yes, there were. In my latest conversation with Rev. Al Sharpton, we break down these interesting events, all of which occurred during the past week. We can agree, however, that there are certainly things more important than worrying about Serena Williams and Kanye West. But these situations, in light of the backdrop of Obama's comments about Kanye, might provide true teachable moments regarding America's tattered racial history.As I've written before, Serena and Kanye have a lot in common, but nothing in common, all at the same time. Serena's actions were justifiable, given the intensity of the situation and the fact that the line judge made the wrong call. At the same time, most of us can agree that Serena went over the line by threatening to "shove the ball down the f**ing throat" of the line judge because of her mistake. Yes, Serena, you are from the hood. But you don't need to take it back to the hood to make your point to a U.S. Open line judge.

Kanye West's actions toward country music singer Taylor Swift were simply disgraceful, and made me wonder if he has a problem with drugs or alcohol. They add to a continued pattern of disturbing behavior by a man who needs access to both Jesus and a good therapist as soon as possible. His massive ego was interesting and even admirable early in his career, but he's gotten to the point of being a bit of a nuisance. Brother, if you don't like how the awards are given out, then don't come to the show begging to receive one.

The commonality of Kanye and Serena's respective situations rests on the fact that America is trained to see both events through the same race-colored lenses they use to label President Obama a Socialist. Serena is interpreted as a violent and aggressive "angry black woman," not simply another John McEnroe. Kanye is seen by white America as an out of control black man who assaulted a poor, defenseless white woman. The same actions 100 years ago would have gotten him lynched. The many racial attacks Kanye West received on Twitter are a testament to that reality.

In this conversation below, Rev. Al Sharpton and I discuss all of these issue. Please click the image to listen.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and author of "What if George Bush were a Black Man?" To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered directly to your email, please click here.