Oh some would still be getting mad I assure you. The fact that he said "permission" has just given them an easy excuse for it, but that's not the real issue here. Like you said the point of asking is just to show that you respect the parents and value their opinion, not because you wish to purchase their daughter. The problem is some of these so-called "progressives" are just trying to prove some point that they don't adhere to the old way of doing things, but stuff like this is downright ridiculous. Believing the old way where women were more or less treated like property was wrong is one thing, but that in no way means you have to think the parents should be completely disregarded when it comes to such things. Yes I believe at the end of the day it's the choice of the man and woman who are potentially getting married, but you can still show a level of respect for the parents. Yeah even if they say no you don't have to listen, but just asking to show that you do respect them and want their blessing is a good thing to do. But yeah, whether you say blessing or permission is irrelevant as far as I'm concerned. What truly matters is your intention, and I highly doubt the OP's intention was purchasing his girlfriend from her father.

I would have less respect for someone who went behind my back and asked my father instead of just asking me. Some women are still treated like cattle. its plain as day everywhere if you really open your eyes. but this is one of those ignorant comments so whatever. the real way it should be done is that the one of the partner proposed (man or woman) and then they go to both of their parents together and say "we're getting married and we would like to have your blessing. meaning that we want to work out any issue you may have with any of us being together so the wedding can be happy for all of us and we can live in peace"

Who says the OP went behind her back? Maybe they had talked about getting married and both decided they wanted to but he hadn't proposed yet. When I asked my girlfriend's father for his blessing to date her, he said yes, but expressed concern about the relationship for various reasons. That's what this "tradition" is about. It's about respecting the parents and the role they have played in the lives of the daughter (or son). It also gives the father (or parents) an opporutnity to voice any concerns or requests (such as have a secure job, or a place to live lined up) before tying the knot.

I think the way he said permisson instead of blessing is what made the difference. I think if he said blessing then this fml wouldnt be here lol

hia father wasnt being a dick. just honest. every word is true. his daughter isnt his to give away.