This idea about creating an “Oath of a Disability Activist” popped into my mind when I was watching the American political drama House of Cards. In the show characters Frank and Claire Underwood took the United States Presidential Oath of Office many times. Inauguration scenes were so epic I have watched them many times. The oath goes like that:
“I (Person’s Name) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
I adapted that for a disability activist. I read my version of the oath before a big activism-related event. Needless to say, not taking this oath doesn’t disqualify you as a disability activist. It only helps me focus and I believe brings luck.
“I Melike Bal do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duty of being a disability rights activist, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the rights of disabled people.”