Chris-Chan: A Measured Response
⚠️ Content / Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault / Ableism / Transphobia ⚠️
I know I’m late to the party, but I have been wracking my brain to discuss the situation regarding Chris-Chan with as much respect and tact as humanly possible. In light of recent events, I think it’s time I’ve had my say.
To make a long story short: Christine Weston Chandler, aka Chris-chan, is is an Autistic web personality best known as the author of the infamous webcomic “Sonichu,” but also has a history of engaging with ‘fans’ (or rather, trolls) often revealing increasingly bizarre and personal aspects of her life (some I won’t, in good conscience, discuss here..you’re free to look it up yourself, but don’t say I didn’t warn you). This has made her the most documented person in internet history.
On August 5th, 2021, Chandler was arrested in connection a leaked phone/text conversation where she admitted to a “”””fan””””that she sexually assaulted her 80 year old mother, who has dementia, and whom Chandler had been taking care of for some time. Chandler’s parents (her father died in 2011) have had a history of mental/behavioral health issues themselves, including hoarding and public outbursts.
I’ve been watching this saga unfold for a good decade (although it’s practically gone on since 2000 or so), and every single time, I said to myself the same things again and again:
“What the hell is this Truman Show IRL nonsense? Why are these vultures just...pointing and laughing when it’s obvious this person never got the help that she needed?”
“No, her gender identity has nothing to do with it! Leave it out of the conversation!
“This goes beyond just laughing at people on the internet. You people are...beyond sick! You need to be kicked off the internet forever! Miserable sacks of—“
And yet, two damn decades later, here we are.
I was diagnosed with Autism at an early age, and while growing up with autism in the 90’s was certainly no bed of roses, I was still able to have the resources and support network necessary to live and grow with it, as opposed to letting it define and consume me. I found other outlets, like drawing, writing and animation, to channel my anxiety into something creative...the process is therapeutic to me. So is practicing mindfulness and meditation and mulling over the concept of neuroplasticity (the science around the ever-changing chemistry in your brain, and the belief that your brain continues to change ever into adulthood).
(Quick side note: I am not saying all of these methods work for everyone; I just use this as a personal example. Different people have different needs. If you or someone you know require professional help (such as counseling), please seek it out).
I only wish that this person, with an obvious inability to read social cues, living with parents who had their own mental health struggles, was able to get resources that worked for her.
In conclusion, there is no excusing what Christine did to her mother. There is never, ever an excuse for causing harm to another human being in any way, shape, or form, and she should be punished to the full extent of the law. However, I feel this should serve as a cautionary tale regarding the way mental health issues are regarded in the darker corners of the internet.
This can be prevented. If you see something, say something. Here are a few toll-free resources available (I will add to it if I find any more):
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN, US) : 1 - 800 - 656 - 4673 (HOPE)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 - 800 - 273 - 8255
Top 10 Internet Safety Rules & What Not To Do Online (Kaspersky.com)
BONUS: Cringe | Contrapoints: She explains the Chris-chan saga in a little more detail, a lot more succinctly than I can (she starts discussing it at the 31-minute mark, btw). It is highly recommended viewing.
