I often hear about these situations. I think it's ++++++ up it still happens. There's a lot missing in this world and respect and acceptance are two of those things.
I live in the Netherlands. On junior high it was terrible, people bullied others because of their earrings. But since I study, I haven't had any trouble. Some people think its weird, but they leave you alone. Most of the times I have great conversations with elder people... Offcourse you hear them scream sometimes, but I never pay attention. I even spoke to a dad about his behaviour. He was holding his young son on his arm while he was calling me names. He was shocked I responded to him and told him he should know better.

Im getting a bit off topic...