Distorted myths around Drake for personal gain

In a recent Marin Voice column (“The myth of ‘Drake’s

Dream’ mired in White supremacy,” Sept. 18), writer Steve Dodge gives many examples of how the name and image of Sir Francis Drake has been used throughout history to inspire White supremacy, European colonizing, the start of wars, support of religious dominance, extermination attempts against Native Americans and more. These people, throughout history and even today, have all used what Dodge calls “Drake mythology” to make the ideals of Drake into something that they were not.

Drake was not an enemy of the Indigenous people of the Americas. It was the Spanish, the very ones that Drakewas determined to stop, who began the enslavement and the eventual demise of many of these people. Drake was not a “White supremacist.” He dedicated his life, as a leader of men, to ending Spanish tyranny and freed thousands of Black slaves from the Spanish in the process. He was a true friend of Native Americans and defender of their way of life. Drake was made an honorary chief here in Marin in 1579 and removed English settlers from the first English colony of Roanoke in 1585.

The “Drake Cross” erected in San Francisco in the late 1800s was to signify the first Protestant religious ceremony in North America, and nothing more. What was said on the memorial was a reflection of the people of that time, as was every other example that was given. Yes, many over the years have used Drake’s legacy as a respected and inspiring leader for their own personal gain. Perhaps Dodge doesn’t see the irony in distorting the true life and legacy of Drake in this article.

— Duane Van Dieman,

Mill Valley