Considering my dad's a big jerk, I'd think it as a compliment.

Since I'm 35 years old at present, I don't think my parents would care about who I brought home. And I doubt I'd care about what they thought of said person, either.

I can somewhat relate to what Brooke is saying...
my parents were in their 40s when I came along, they were both raised during the depression, WWII era, they both also came from 'older parents'. A long line of fine country folk, 'old school', etc.
My parents are innocently ignorant possibly just because they were not exposed to the variety of races and diversity that we are today.
They are older, it's very hard for an older person to change 'their ways'.
My parents would Never deliberately hurt anyone - of any nationality or skin color.
With that said, I still to this day have to gently suggest that they use other words rather than the ones they originally were using for people different than them.

At the same time, I have often brought my friends, of diverse races and lifestyles around to family functions and they have all been welcomed with open arms. It's a learning experience for my parents and they are open to it.

After saying all this, I realize how very blessed I am for my parents and their ways.

Brooke, I understand what you are saying - bottom line, your father only wants what is best for you, even if he doesn't quite always agree with your choices.
We will always be our daddy's little girls, good luck to you