America Quote by Rick Riordan
“And yes,Percy,of course they are now in our United States. Look at your symbol,the eagle of Zeus. Look at the statue of Prometheus in Rockefeller Center,the Greek facades of our government builidings in Washington. I defy you to find any American city where the Olympians are not proeminently displayed, in multiple places. Like it or not-and believe me,plenty of people weren't very found of Rome,either-America is now the heart of the flame. It is the great power of the West.And so Olympus is here.And we are here.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan, 2005 (paraphrased dialogue)
He highlights how American architecture and symbols borrow heavily from Greek mythology, showing cultural continuity and appropriation.
In simple terms: Greek myths appear in US symbols.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural influences in modern symbols.
Themes
mythology
culture
identity
Mood
observational
critical
Type
cultural
historical
When to use this quote
- city planning
- education curricula
- tourism promotion
Key Concepts
Cultural appropriation
symbolic continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- What other mythologies influence US symbols?
- Does this borrowing dilute original meanings?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on Greek symbols may overlook other cultures.
![“[Hazel] hissed in frustration. 'I hate eidolons. I thought Piper made them promise to stay away.' 'Oh...' Frank said, like he'd just had his own daily happy thought. 'Piper made them promise to stay off the ship and not possess any of us. But if they followed us, and used other bodies to attack…” quote by Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8da/rick-riordan-27_body_hazel-hissed-in-frustration-i-hate-eidol_24349.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
