This quote challenges the deeply ingrained gender norms often portrayed in mythology and literature. It critiques the common assumption that male gods are the ones who show attraction toward female humans, suggesting that such thinking is inherently sexist. In the context of Rick Riordan's "The Lightning Thief," which revisits and reimagines classical mythology with a modern twist, this line encourages readers to question the traditional gender roles assigned to divine or powerful figures.

It highlights how such stereotypes limit the scope of stories and characters—male gods are frequently central figures with active roles, while female figures are often passive or objectified. To assume that attraction and desire are exclusive to men feeds into broader societal assumptions that men are active agents and women passive recipients. Contesting this assumption encourages a more inclusive view of relationships and power dynamics, inviting us to consider that female gods or female characters can also be active pursuers of relationships or desires.

This quote serves as a reminder of how mythologies — and, by extension, the stories we tell in culture — can reinforce or challenge social biases. By calling out the sexism in such an assumption, it opens the door to richer storytelling that defies outdated norms and contributes to a more equitable portrayal of gender in literature and media. The call to reflect on these embedded biases aligns with the broader objectives of Riordan's works to modernize ancient myths and make them relevant and relatable to contemporary readers.