Socialization begins at a very young age; Socialization is defined as “the social processes by which we develop an awareness of social norms and values ​​and achieve a distinct sense of self (Giddens)”. Media plays an important role in shaping a child's identity and how he or she should behave in society (Giddens 72). Children are most affected by the content they see in mass media, such as TV shows, advertisements, movies, music and anything else that is broadcast in the media. Disney films are considered safe for children because they teach morals, sharing values, self-confidence and the importance of hard work and success. But many fail to see how Disney films reinforce the wrong messages to children. Many popular Disney films show stereotypical gender roles, misrepresentation of other groups and cultures, which can negatively affect children in the feature film. Socialization helps us develop the means by which people develop perceptions, feelings, and beliefs. Socialization makes us who we are. Mass media is an agent of socialization in which significant developments of socialization occur (Giddens 72). Around the age of one or two, children “gradually come to understand that others have identities, consciences, and needs distinct from their own (Giddens 70). » It is important to understand the messages given to young children through the media, because throughout their lives they will retain and carry the information they have learned about themselves and apply it to the world around them. The most common stereotypical gender roles presented in Disney films are women as weak and helpless, most often waiting for her prince to come and save her, such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. In these mo...... middle of paper ...... contains reliable messages and good influence on children. But it is important to understand media messages. This knowledge must be passed on to others, people must be aware of this problem. Everyone can do something, people can teach their children and future generations about media issues. The media can shape the norms of societies, but if people come together, we can shape the media too. Book CiteBonds-Raacke, Jennifer M. "Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty: developing a course on Disney and fairy tale films." Journal of Educational Psychology 35.3 (2008): 232-234. Premier Academic Research. Internet. October 23, 2013. Giddens, Anthony. The essentials of sociology. 3rd ed. New York: WW Norton & Co., 2008. Print. McQuail, Denis. “The influence and effects of mass media.” Mass communication and society (1977): 70-94.