THE ALPHA MYTH

There's a theory floating around, which I was thinking of in my own head, and with a simple internet search, found that I was not the first to think of this. The theory, is that the myth of an alpha male existing in human beings, is untrue. We've seen this in nature, but, many of the laws that exist in the animal kingdom don't completely apply to humans; because we are not animals. Being that we are human, we have an extra dimension that allows us to filter our impulses. This is the same sort of filter, that monitors our vocal responses, and subdues our brute strength, into fine motor. Although, animalistic impulses exist within our nature, we have evolved from being simply animals, and this occurred loooooong before you and I were ever born.

So, the idea of there existing an alpha male in humanity, is a bit absurd, especially in this day and age. The reason being, the more we understand, the more evolve, or are supposed to. The more we liken ourselves to animals, then the more we actually devolve, because we are going against our evolution. This is why we question the necessity for violence, often times, because it is not who we are anymore. When we get to a point where we abandon our ability to reason, then we descend into a pseudo food chain where, only the strongest survive. Even today, if we were to look at ourselves as animals, the (animal) "packs" would actually be quite scarce, due to the increasing isolation of man in general. In order, for there to be an alpha, there has to be a pack, however, if the man is an alpha minus the pack, then most likely he is just an asshole. Quite literally, scientific studies have shown that the traits females find desirable in men, don't necessarily coincide with the alpha male profile, but, rather the leadership qualities you can find in any man really. The competitive nature has always existed in men, so the ability to be the alpha male then too, can be found as well, no?

Case in point, two beta males are after the same female, does there exist an alpha male in this situation. No, because, neither are alpha's, they are merely in competition. I use the scenario of alpha's and females, because this is what seems to be the primary thought reasoning behind calling a male an alpha in the first place. I've heard many men, say they are alpha males, and use that as an excuse to be however they wish. Confident and assertive, are leadership traits, dominant and combative, are competitive traits. As males, you grow up in a certain pattern, that teaches you how to be a man. Certain things may alter the path of this plan, but, ultimately you end up becoming a man of your experience and education. There are men, who are more suave with ladies, men, who catch on quick in manual tasks, men who are physically impressive, men with an insatiable drive, and what we've been taught, is that these men, are alphas. They are better, and will incur women and money, due to their alpha status. However, what about the high school football jock, who doesn't go to college and doesn't do more, or the geek, who grows up to own a billion dollar company? Once the alpha male stature is turned on it's head, the myth essentially dies.

The alpha male myth, is meant to excuse the behavior of womanizers and bullies, by referring to nature for examples. However, animals do their things for different reasons, that don't actually involve reason, but, rather survival. Whether it be for self or the pack, intentions and motives of the alpha male is completely beneficial and crucial to survival. Alpha male is a scientific term, used to describe the leader of the pack so to speak, however, psychologists have adopted the term to describe males with a penchant for competitive behavior and the necessity to be dominant. The interesting thing is, the alpha male is a replaceable post, therefore, it is not a permanent position. Like all things, age, injury, weakness, overthrow, etc., are all circumstances that dethrone an alpha male in the animal kingdom. So, as the term alpha male gets thrown around, we see that, it is a myth, that outside viewpoints use to describe a behavior in the pack. Mankind is not a pack, and there can't be multiple alpha males, so the the myth and theory of the alpha becomes less necessary, in describing the confident and assertive male.

The adoption of this term, is harmful to the average male, because it influences, what is often referred to as mannish behavior. Being an "alpha male", isn't a free pass for a male to cheat on his spouse. Being an "alpha male", doesn't give one a free pass to fight, every male who disagrees with him. This is an archaic way of thinking, that whittles us down to our most basic element, animals. We become devolved. I know several "alpha males", who seem to be stagnant because they are actually stifled by the only weapon to stifle an alpha....vagina. Beyond that, alpha males, who disregard alliances and become the cutthroat in their dealings, only end up sabotaging their advancement in any system. There is no such thing as an alpha male in humanity, because, your survival isn't based upon impulses and violence much like in the animal kingdom, but, rather reasoning and thought. Men, need to let go of this terminology, and instead, seek to improve the qualities that produce a leadership mentality, that is the true source of longevity. These are the qualities that are most impressive to females. The terms animal, beast, savage, are all popular, but detrimental to the development of the proper male psyche. It's bad enough that men have to endure certain things, as we get older, but, with the adoption of these terms, men fall into the trap of being Neanderthals. I am all for men being men, this is not advocacy on behalf of women. Women, have the tendency to want to dominate their men these days, subjugating them and even feminizing them. I have spoken often about the pussification of the male, however, we have to find the appropriate medium between being, men without being cruel, and aware without being soft.    -  925