Desperate Measures...

We're not really loving the media campaign used by Declare Yourself, a national nonpartisan, nonprofit youth voter initiative aimed at energizing young adults to register and vote in the 2008 election. It's clearly just a desperate ploy to gain attention.

It's not gonna make us wanna vote and we would hope that intelligent young voters wouldn't base whether or not to vote on a celebrity shock campaign. Let's really hope that they are looking at the "talents" of the presidential candidates instead.

Photo by Mark Liddell

The ads depict Jessica Alba, Christina Aguilera and others posing with their mouths taped, gagged, stapled and sewn shut with tears running down their cheeks.

Oh, what drama!

The tag line..."Only you can silence yourself. Make them hear you. Register to vote now."

Photo by David LaChapelle

Photo by Mark Liddell

In regards to the ad, Jessica says, "I think it is important for young people to be aware of the need we have in this country to get them more active politically. People respond to things that are shocking."

The dramatic images "really resonate" with the issue of voting, according to the 27 year old star. "If you don't register and vote and make a difference, and hopefully change the bad things that are happening in our country, you are essentially just binding and muzzling yourself," she told People Magazine.

Seriously, Jessica... Until recently you've downplayed the fact that you are of Mexican decent in order to get ahead in Hollywood. Why should anyone listen to you? We just wish we could keep you gagged and in a muzzle full time.

Shock value? Yes. Will it work? I doubt it.

Photos by David LaChapelle