Hey everyone, I’m 13 and I really need some outside opinions on what happened with my dad. I’ve been dealing with a lot of stuff at school and during softball this year. I’m not super popular, and some kids have been pushing me around, which really hurts. I started listening to music to help me cope, and while I’ve always listened to rock because of my dad, I found a new connection with Eminem’s songs, especially "Not Afraid" and "Houdini." The lyrics resonate with me, and they make me feel understood in a way that I haven’t felt in a long time.
The problem is, my dad absolutely hates rap music. He thinks it's just noise and says he can’t understand the lyrics at all. He once told me that rap doesn’t tell stories like rock does, which makes him think it’s not real music. It’s really frustrating because I’ve tried to explain to him why I like it, but he just doesn’t get it.
When I first started listening to Eminem, he took my phone and AirPods away because he was so upset that I was listening to "that stuff." I promised him I wouldn’t listen to it anymore, but I couldn’t help it. I still did because it helps me feel better, especially when I’m down.
So, here’s where things got really bad. Tonight at dinner, my dad was talking about music, and he called Eminem’s songs "devil worship." I was so hurt. I felt like he was dismissing something that means a lot to me. I could feel tears forming in my eyes, and I tried to hold them back, but I couldn’t. I wanted to shout that the music isn't about that—it’s about overcoming struggles and not being afraid of who you are. But instead, I just sat there, feeling small.
When I didn’t say anything, my dad noticed I was upset and asked me what was wrong. I didn’t want to get into a fight, so I told him I was fine, but he pushed me. I finally told him that it hurt me when he calls the music I like evil and that it helps me more than he knows. He said that as my dad, he just wants what’s best for me and that he doesn’t want me listening to "bad influences."
Now, I’m feeling really conflicted. I don’t want to disrespect my dad, but I also feel like he’s not giving me a chance to express myself or find comfort in something that helps me. AITA for liking Eminem and wanting to listen to his music even though my dad doesn’t approve? Should I just ignore my dad’s feelings and keep listening, or should I respect his wishes even if it means giving up something that’s really important to me?