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Sir Francis Drake: A Study in Ethnocentric Behavior

Terence Nelson

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Sir Francis Drake was one of the most famous explorers of the Elizabethan era. He is best known for his circumnavigation of the globe from 1577 to 1580, which made him the first Englishman to complete this feat. Drake was also a privateer and naval commander, and he played a significant role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Drake's accomplishments were many, but he was also a complex and controversial figure. He was known for his ruthlessness and his willingness to use violence against indigenous peoples. He was also a devout Protestant, and he saw it as his mission to spread Christianity to the far corners of the world.

Sir Francis Drake and the Ethnocentric Behaviour

by Anthony C. Winkler

4.7 out of 5

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Drake's behavior can be seen as a reflection of the ethnocentric attitudes that were prevalent in Elizabethan England. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior to all others. This belief can lead to negative attitudes and behaviors towards people from other cultures, such as racism, discrimination, and violence.

Ethnocentrism in Elizabethan England

Ethnocentrism was a widespread phenomenon in Elizabethan England. The English saw themselves as a superior people, and they believed that their culture was the best in the world. This belief was reinforced by the Protestant Reformation, which emphasized the importance of individual salvation and the superiority of the Christian faith.

Elizabethan ethnocentrism was also influenced by the rise of colonialism. As the English began to explore and colonize new lands, they came into contact with people from different cultures. These encounters often led to conflict and violence, as the English sought to impose their own values and beliefs on others.

Drake's Ethnocentric Behavior

Drake's ethnocentric behavior is evident in many of his actions. For example, he often referred to indigenous peoples as "savages" and "barbarians." He also used violence against indigenous peoples when they resisted his attempts to establish colonies or convert them to Christianity.

In one particularly infamous incident, Drake ordered the massacre of a group of indigenous people in Peru. He justified his actions by claiming that the indigenous people were idolaters and that they had attacked his men. However, there is evidence to suggest that the indigenous people were not actually idolaters and that they were defending their homes and families from Drake's aggression.

The Consequences of Ethnocentrism

Drake's ethnocentric behavior had a number of negative consequences. It led to conflict and violence between the English and indigenous peoples. It also hindered the development of understanding and cooperation between different cultures.

The consequences of ethnocentrism are still felt today. It is a major obstacle to global peace and cooperation. It also makes it difficult for people from different cultures to understand and respect each other.

Sir Francis Drake was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant explorer and navigator, but he was also a ruthless and violent man. His ethnocentric behavior is a reflection of the attitudes that were prevalent in Elizabethan England.

Ethnocentrism is a major obstacle to global peace and cooperation. It is important to be aware of our own ethnocentric biases and to work to overcome them. We must strive to understand and respect people from other cultures, even if they are different from our own.

Sir Francis Drake and the Ethnocentric Behaviour

by Anthony C. Winkler

4.7 out of 5