Lessons in hate and nonacceptance are taught early. Your story shows that the treatment we get isn't inborn but learned.
What the father doesn't realize is that his actions will impact that little girl someday and maybe in a manner he doesn't really want. She will grow to admire hateful angry men who will probably abuse her. She will expect and accept that this is the way it is supposed to be. She may turn to behaviors that put her life at risk or live a life of desperation and despair. He will continue to spew his viciousness and one day one of those passers-by will take him up on his threat and he will end up hurt or dead. Then where will his little girl be?
We pass on good and bad to our children. As adults we have the ability to control how much of each we share. If you didn't feel at risk you could have simply said "thank you young lady, you are wise beyond your years." of course I may have added "your mother must be a very kind and gentle soul" and then waited to watch her father's reaction. Not the wisest idea though
