Rhetorical Analysis: “Mystery & Makeup” Series

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Target Audience
A Platform that Holds the Content
Visual, Text, and Subtext Tools in the Video
Ethos in the Videos
Pathos in the Videos
Logos Rhetorical Tool in Sarin’s Videos
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Bailey Sarian’s YouTube series “Mystery & Makeup” has exploded in popularity owing to the influencer’s unusual method of addressing crime cases while doing beauty. Sarian’s films usually are more than 30 minutes long and show her doing cosmetics while explaining the tale of an actual murder case. Her videos have received millions of views, and she has a significant fan base that likes her narrative and cosmetic tips. Nonetheless, there is rising worry in society about the glamorization and romanticization of criminal stories about killers and maniacs and the possible impact that Sarian’s content may have on this perspective. Examining how Bailey Sarian uses rhetorical tools, including ethos, pathos, and logos to appeal to her audience highlights her influence on the perception of criminal stories.

Target Audience

People interested in crime, admirers of Bailey Sarian, and those worried about romanticizing criminal events are the target audiences for Bailey Sarian’s “Mystery & Makeup” series. Anyone interested in beauty and cosmetics will enjoy the series’ makeup theme. The series is available on YouTube and has a big viewership, particularly among younger people. The series’ material includes conversations about notable criminals, frequently paired with Bailey Sarian’s distinctive cosmetic instructions. According to Zhou et al., social media influencers can gain audience approval by presenting who they are (5). Notably, Bailey displays an open personality by engaging in makeup and expressing her opinions during the video. The series’ success and the arguments around it point to a broader cultural discussion regarding true crime stories and their influence on society.

A Platform that Holds the Content

The “Mystery & Makeup” series may be found on YouTube, a prominent video-sharing website. The platform is recognized for its broad reach, and the series has grown in popularity due to the site’s large viewership. YouTube also gives a forum for creators to share their views and participate in cultural discussions. Bailey Sarian’s series contributes to the cultural debate over genuine crime and how it is depicted in the media. However, the series has sparked concerns regarding the romanticization of criminal stories and the potential impact that Bailey Sarian’s material may have on this perspective.

Visual, Text, and Subtext Tools in the Video

Bailey Sarian uses a variety of tactics to appeal to her audience, including visual aspects, text, subtext, ethos, pathos, and logos. Using visuals in the discipline of rhetoric and the rising relevance of visual imagery in recent times has promoted the use of rhetorical functions in the sphere of communication (Köksal and Inatci 2). First, regarding visual elements, Sarian takes a minimalist approach to her video background but her routine makeup supplements visual elements in her videos. The makeup routine creates an engaging experience for the audience, as they can visually follow along with the storytelling. Regarding text, Sarian addresses the camera as if it were a friend, employing comedy and sarcasm to create a sense of ease for her viewers. Moreover, the subtext is evident in Sarian’s content since her videos are more than crime and makeup tutorials; they also address sociocultural difficulties such as mental health, abusive relationships, and the glamorization of drugs and alcohol. Visual aspects, text, and subtext are crucial components of audience appeal.

Ethos in the Videos

Evaluating how Bailey applies ethos rhetorical tools indicates that her credibility as an influencer in the true crime community is a significant factor in appealing to her audience. Sarian’s credibility is built on her background as a makeup artist and her extensive knowledge of actual criminal cases. She has a significant social media following and is well-known for her skill in the true crime genre. In her films, she frequently offers personal experiences and thoughts, contributing to her trustworthiness. In the video “Serial Killer or Serial Confessor? Gerald Stano,” for example, she discusses how the investigating officer, Paul incriminated Gerald Stano by reading the investigation transcript (Serial Killer 25:49). Bailey Sarian discusses her connection to the case, admitting that she grew up near the crime scene and that her mother knew one of Stano’s victims. Her credibility influences how the audience perceives the crime stories she delivers, making them more compelling and trustworthy.

Additionally, Bailey Sarian has established herself as a real crime specialist by studying and telling the stories of infamous criminals in an exciting and amusing manner. Bailey Sarian proves her credibility in one of the series’ films, “1 Of America’s Most Notorious, Ted Bundy – Mystery & Makeup,” by studying and providing genuine information about Ted Bundy (Ted Bundy 2:08). She leverages her credentials to promote herself as an expert in the true crime community and to build trust with her audience. Bailey Sarian’s credibility as an influencer in the true crime community is a crucial factor in the appeal of the “Mystery & Makeup” series.

Pathos in the Videos

Pathos is an emotional appeal to the audience by evoking certain emotions like sadness or sympathy. In her “Mystery & Makeup” series, Bailey Sarian employs emotions to connect and appeal to her audience. Her narrative technique creates tension and interest, which draws the listener into the stories. In the video “He May Be More Terrifying Than You Thought – Issei Sagawa | Mystery & Makeup GRWM| Bailey Sarian,” Bailey Sarian utilizes narrative to elicit feelings of shock and revulsion at Issei Sagawa’s horrible deeds (Issei Sagawa 42:00). Her emotional appeal connects the audience to the tale and fosters empathy for the victims of the murders.

Logos Rhetorical Tool in Sarin’s Videos

Lastly, Sarian’s approach to narrative demonstrates her use of logos which is the appeal to logic or reason. She bases her analysis on facts and evidence, and she thoroughly evaluates each piece of information before forming judgments. Sarian’s use of logos is especially successful in her films about lesser-known instances, in which she delivers the facts clearly and concisely and invites her viewers to examine alternate perspectives. Logos are essential for methodological reasoning to reach justifiable conclusions (Hoque et al. para, 19). In the video “Serial Murderer or Serial Confessor? Gerald Stano | Mystery & Makeup | GRWM | Bailey Sarian,” for example, she includes a report from a forensic specialist who sheds light on the case (Serial Murderer or Serial Confessor? 17:25). The audience’s perspective of the crime stories told by Bailey Sarian is influenced by her use of facts and proof since they are more inclined to trust the material offered and create conclusions based on the available knowledge, logic and information.

Conclusion

To conclude, the “Mystery & Makeup” YouTube series by Bailey Sarian has grown in popularity because of the influencer’s unusual method of addressing crime events while doing beauty. Nonetheless, there is rising worry in society about the glamorization and romanticization of criminal stories about killers and maniacs, as well as the potential impact of Bailey Sarian’s material on this perspective. This series’ study demonstrates how the author uses a variety of tactics to appeal to their audience, such as visual components, spoken and printed words, music, unspoken messages, ethos, pathos, and logos. Further study is needed to address the ethical difficulties raised by society’s glamorization and romanticization of criminal stories.

Works Cited

“He Might Be More Terrifying Than You Think – Issei Sagawa | Mystery & Makeup GRWM|.” YouTube, Uploaded by Bailey Sarian, Web.

Hoque, Zahirul, et al. “Accounting as Rhetorical Devices During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From Australian Universities.” Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, vol. 34, no. 6, Emerald, 2022, pp. 168–92. Crossref, Web.

Köksal, Fatma Nazlı, and Ümit İnatçı. “Visual Rhetoric Based on Triadic Approach: Intellectual Knowledge, Visual Representation and Aesthetics as Modality.” Semiotica, vol. 2020, no. 233, Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2020, pp. 35–53. Crossref, Web.

“1 Of America Most Notorious, Ted Bundy – Mystery & Makeup.” YouTube, Uploaded by Bailey Sarian, 2022. Web.

“Serial Killer or Serial Confessor? Gerald Stano | Mystery & Makeup | GRWM | Bailey Sarian.” YouTube. Uploaded by Bailey, Sarian. 2020, Web.

Zhou, Shuang, et al. “Social Media Influencers’ Narrative Strategies to Create eWOM: A Theoretical Contribution.” International Journal of Information Management, vol. 59, Elsevier BV, Aug. 2021, p. 102293. Crossref, Web.

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