“The Muzzler” By: Faith Harp

Background: Author: Mark Lidell Date: September 2008 This picture is used to persuade the younger generation (18-29 year olds) to vote by a campaign group known as “Declare Yourself”.

Audience and Intention: Who do you think the intended audience is? The cause of this campaign is to specifically get year olds to vote because they feel they are too young for their vote to really count in the polls, but the picture would also work well with other age group but may not be as effective.

Ethos: Do you think the source “Declare Yourself” is credible? Why or why not? Yes, because Jessica Alba is certainly a role model as an actress and many people look up to her in the things they do. Also, this ad campaign was featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, along with many magazines including: Seventeen, People, Sports Illustrated, and Rolling Stones.

Pathos: If you were at an age to where you could vote, would this ad persuade you to do so? Most people would not take this picture literally, but the thought of having your rights taken away makes you aware of what, theoretically, could happen. Therefore, that would persuade people to vote while they can.

Logos: Is this picture logical? Could it happen to us, as Americans citizens? Literally, no, this picture is not logical. Obviously, we have the right to vote, but the photographer is telling us this is how we might feel (miserable, silenced, distraught) if we didn’t vote.

Lighting and Color: Where is the light centered? Is it harsh or soft? Why do you think the photographer did this? The light is centered not only around Alba, but it also narrows around the muzzle. Because the hue is darker at the top and at its lightest point around the muzzle and darkens again to emphasize the muzzle and pins, but the light is also because the focus is already harsh.

Balance: Why is Alba off-centered? Do the words fully balance the picture? Alba is off-centered because the author wants you to notice two things throughout the photo: the muzzle/pins and the words. Yes, the words in the photo balance out the face because you eye is drawn to it and the logo at the top.

Technique: Detail: –Why do you think the photographer chose to omit the clothing in the picture? By omitting the clothing, this picture seems more simplistic and does not draw your eye anywhere else but to the face and the words.

Technique: Detail (con.): –Why did the photographer choose to expose the whole face? In contrast to other photos, the picture wouldn’t be as effective because Jessica Alba is a role model and people want to be like her, which people are also more likely to follow her lead.

Technique: Aesthetics: –Font: Why did the author chose this font and size? I think the author chose this font because we live in a very digital world. And the author was trying to appeal to his/her audience in every way possible.

Sources: Lidell, Mark. “Declare Yourself”. September Web. –