This week Miley Cyrus announced that she’s engaged to her off-and-on boyfriend, “The Hunger Games” star Liam Hemsworth. The announcement sparked some backlash due to their ages (Cyrus is 19, Hemsworth, 22). What’s your opinion of the upcoming nuptials? It’s not uncommon to encounter ageism as a young adult — stereotyping or even discrimination based on one’s age. While the comments about Cyrus and Hemsworth’s upcoming nuptials may or may not be rooted in discrimination, it’s not uncommon for young adults to feel that they are being treated unfairly or marginalized because of their age. Talk about this issue with young adults. Here are a few discussion questions:

• Can you think of a time when someone told you (as a young adult) that you were too young to do something or treated you unfairly because of your age? Share that experience.
• What was your reaction at the time? What’s your reaction/reflection on that situation now?
• Have you ever had this experience in church? What are some ways you might work with older adults to break down some of the stereotypes they have about young people?
• Bonus Question (maybe with a prize?): Who is going to the most weddings this summer? Extra points if you’re going to your own wedding!

Let us know what you’re talking about in your young adult ministry using the comments section below.