While American Gods includes a diverse cast and occasionally prioritizes modern identity themes, the emphasis remains on storytelling over ideology. Characters' backgrounds serve the narrative rather than feeling tacked on for box-checking. There are some moments where identity and cultural commentary creep in, but it's generally balanced by the richness of myth.

The novel is critical of traditional religion, American myths, and conventional structures like family, often depicting them as outdated or fractured. It frequently subverts or questions established norms, with alternative belief systems elevated. That said, it doesn't demonize tradition outright, but it doesn’t exactly put it on a pedestal, either.

American Gods presents a variety of worldviews (old gods vs. new gods, faith vs. modernity), so there’s no total monoculture. However, traditionalist perspectives are mostly left behind or shown as doomed relics. Alternative identities are presented with more sympathy, but there is debate and nuance rather than a one-sided push.