Red the Ghost
Smash Ace
Some of the music I listen to suffers from a different kind of discrimination (that being heavier metal like death and black), but I've never really let it bother me. The times I've had people question my tastes or even insult me over it, I simply respond with actual reasons why I enjoy it, your dad's example of how vocals being only one part of the music being one of them. Any time somebody says they dislike the music I listen to, I simply ask them why, and if they give legitimate reasons, I discuss it with them, and it usually turns into an interesting conversation. If they don't, then I simply disregard them. It doesn't bother me one bit.
I also listen to other kinds of rock, like classic and grunge, some techno and electronica stuff (which I also get questioned about, although not as often), and a bit of underground hip hop, chill stuff like funk and jazz, and even random stuff like 70s/80s pop.
I suppose gender discrimination doesn't really apply to me as much, but it's the same idea. There are beautiful female vocalists out there, and I'll listen to them no matter what anybody thinks of it. As I said before, any time people question me about that, I simply ask them to explain their views: "why is that [stupid/gay/for girls/weird/bad music/etc]", "does it really matter?", "do you think that stereotype is really true?", "would you stop listening to music you liked because somebody else didn't like it?", "is it really worth mocking people for their musical tastes?", "Why would you put down a type of music or decide you don't like it without bothering to try and understand it?". If they're unable to do so, then does what they say really matter? You shouldn't let it bother you.
I also listen to other kinds of rock, like classic and grunge, some techno and electronica stuff (which I also get questioned about, although not as often), and a bit of underground hip hop, chill stuff like funk and jazz, and even random stuff like 70s/80s pop.
I suppose gender discrimination doesn't really apply to me as much, but it's the same idea. There are beautiful female vocalists out there, and I'll listen to them no matter what anybody thinks of it. As I said before, any time people question me about that, I simply ask them to explain their views: "why is that [stupid/gay/for girls/weird/bad music/etc]", "does it really matter?", "do you think that stereotype is really true?", "would you stop listening to music you liked because somebody else didn't like it?", "is it really worth mocking people for their musical tastes?", "Why would you put down a type of music or decide you don't like it without bothering to try and understand it?". If they're unable to do so, then does what they say really matter? You shouldn't let it bother you.