Should a guy ask your dad for your hand in marriage?

My dear readers, I'd be fascinated to hear your thoughts on this question over on Smitten. Please feel free to comment on Smitten (it only takes one second to register) --the discussion is getting nutty!!!

(The photo is of my sister getting married; her fiance had asked my dad for his blessing before proposing. I think it's a really sweet tradition, but perhaps it's also inadvertently sexist?)