Thaddeus Russell is the author of the forthcoming A Renegade History of the United States (Free Press/Simon & Schuster, 2010). He teaches history and cultural studies at Occidental College and has taught at Columbia University, Barnard College, Eugene Lang College, and the New School for Social Research.

In an excerpt from his new book, A Renegade History of the United States, historian Thaddeus Russell argues that Martin Luther King, Jr.'s controversial push for African Americans to embrace white, Protestant values has spawned President Obama—and his derogatory views of some fellow blacks.

As Obama and Netanyahu await tomorrow's meeting, historian Thaddeus Russell argues that it's time to ask that question—even if the answer makes everyone very uncomfortable.

Yes, the show revels in stereotypes, particularly in the gay character, Kurt. But, Thaddeus Russell says, unabashed queens have transformed life for everyone, straight and gay.

The American Idol host—whose recent erratic behavior on the air has prompted chatter—has for years alternated between receiving and delivering homophobic, gay-baiting attacks. Thaddeus Russell on the Seacrest persona.

The new touchy-feely CBS reality show, on which top corporate managers experience the lowest rungs of their companies, is paternalistic and Orwellian—a fantasy for the Obama age.

As climate-change activists mourn the hollow deal in Copenhagen, maybe they should look in the mirror. Thaddeus Russell on how their self-righteous, morally superior tone poisons the debate.

Obama didn’t apologize for being a wartime president receiving a peace prize in Oslo—he laid the groundwork for battle, and outdid Bush in arguing for American supremacy.

The head of the Ultimate Fighting Championship recently became the first head of a major sports league to welcome gay athletes. Thaddeus Russell on the mixed martial arts’ homoerotic appeal.

The left may be pressuring President Obama to exit Afghanistan. But their heroes—from FDR to JFK—promoted U.S. involvement in more wars than all modern GOP presidents combined.