Top Dog: A Look at the Alpha Model

The dogs have it. Living together in packs, a hierarchy exists that ensures the cohesiveness, safety, and continuation of the group. The pack looks for the guidance of their leader, elders, and so on. Each step of the hierarchy has the protective gaze falling upon those above and below. The leader, Alpha Male, looks out for the pack: He's the Top Dog.

As I'm out walking the dogs, hanging out under the shade trees, I assume the alpha role. This brings a sense of safety and security to the dogs - two sisters - who are then able to relax, be more playful, and also obedient to my commands. Somtimes, I'll even grunt or yip like a dog to gather their attention back to me. They pay attention to my every move, follow and watch me as I wander, leaving them loose and able to follow - which they do.

It was while observing and enjoying the company and time spent with these two Boxers that I began to ponder the concept of the Alpha Male in our society. Reflecting back on conversations with others, what we see via channels of entertainment, repeated stories in the news media, in the workplace, out on the streets, and in the bars, I felt there exists a distorted and unhealthy belief and/or perspective as to what constitutes an Alpha Male.

The most common social comment is the choice and attraction to the typical bad-boy. In the bars it is typically the hot-shot with the deep pockets, power, and prestige - at the very least in his own mind - and he exudes a sense of power, or disinterest, and often looks about with a predatory stare, particularly when his eyes fall upon an object - person - of his desire. Walking through a gay neighborhood, even the alpha male stereotype might find himself the object of desire under the same predatory stare; I've experienced it myself.

Yet, while I'm with the dogs, considering the responsibility that comes with being the Alpha, I question whether our perception of these alpha characters in our society has become quite distorted, even corrupted from its purest intent. If the Alpha Male is the typical leader, the one with money, status, position, power, and prestige, then I wonder, when looking at the end result and their actions leading to the end results, why there is so much corruption and abuse? Of course, I'm thinking of business, politics, the bluttony for oil, the furthering of one's own agenda at the expense of others in society, and so on. I'm confidnet you see what I mean as we have all witnessed so much in our own brief history with oil, Enron, Iraq, sweat shops, devastated wildlife, environment, poverty and homelessness in our own backyards, and so on, and so forth.

What, then, is the the better model, or more accurate perspective on being an Alpha? While looking to nature, many in society seem to borrow the adage 'survival of the fittest' and use it as their excuse for running amok through society to further their gains regardless of the damage to others, the environment, or even to themselves. I think this single-minded approach is missing the mark. In the wild, the survival of the fittest keeps the food-chain working smoothly, a food-chain that we are no longer a part of other than to consume with very little awareness of the impact we have. In the pack, the survival of the fittest simply means that when an old dog's time has come, they walk away or are left behind to ensure the safety of the whole. Ancient human tribal traditions observed similar practices.

The Top Dog in the pack fights for the position. This fight is not one of one-upmanship, it is a natural order to ensure that the fittest animal is able to lead the group. The challenge to the Top Dog continually tests and keeps him sharp. And the packs knowing responds with challenges if a weakness in the Alpha is felt. The pack also is committed to their survival and having the best Alpha in position. Along with the position comes some perks, naturally. However, that Top Dog is on the lookout and is willing to die to defend the lowest of the low in the pack. I can't say this is true of most human Alphas.

As a human being, I see the Alpha role quite differently. We're not the animals without all the games. We're the animals with all the games - social games. We have a level of intelligence, communication, and social structure that defies almost everything in the animal kingdom. Chances are, our social structures tend to be more cancerous than useful. Were an authentic Alpha to arrive on the scene, the fitness of mind - intelligent - and the strength of heart - compassion - would be the driving force that would see the rise to the top. It is the combination of intelligence and wisdom at work while providing for the vision of the whole of society rather than simply glorifying his or her own goals.

Responsibility is an important word that was introduced earlier. To be an Alpha isn't all about being Top Dog. I believe it is more accurately about being the most capable of caring for the well-being of the pack - of others. Logic even supports the idea: Without the pack, the Alpha isn't Top Dog, he's just another Stray Mutt. So why destroy the foundation of what provides the structure to become Top Dog? A good question for the wannabe Top Dog's running rampant in our society today. Being a Top Dog does come with a lot of perks and benefits. Nurturing that position and the relationship of self to personal and communal goals is key to maintaining the healthy balance that solidifies the whole of all, rather than glorifyuing one's own gains.

So I say 'go for it!' Be the Top Dog. Just remember that Top Dog looks out for the pack and that pack will honor and respect your role. Then you won't have to worry about just becoming another Stray Mutt.