Definitely! It's happened to me so many times here in the UK. It used to upset me and sometimes I'd respond as such, but now I don't even give it any of my time or energy.
Ignorance is everywhere, and in so many forms. I'd only try to educate people who'd say this to me, if I knew I'd see them again.
I think you are right, redrica! You even tried to educate them. Great initiative!
Maybe, the word "respect" is not being taught in their schools. Who knows??