Are you the alpha Wolf?

In a Society hell-bent on being the Alpha and recent obsession for the same - Let's understand what it truly means to be alpha or whether there is actually an Alpha or not. Let's test our misplace virtues.

1) What feels like an Alpha in today's modern society?

When you picture an Alpha Today (Thanks to movies) ; you have an image of a Man with a big stature, flowing unkempt hairs, big beards and a toxic masculine attitude. You feel being an alpha is all about being a animalistic, misogynistic dominant person for whom violence is the way of life and every female is their territory.

You feel like you are the leader of the pack and the wolf is your symbol. But is that truly an alpha?

2) Roots of the word "Alpha" and why it is misplaced?

The word Alpha wolves came from studies from Rudolph Schenkel and popularized by Dr. L. David Mech - who both studied wolves.

They both observed constant fighting between wolves to declare dominance over each other and the ones who came out on top were called the Alphas - the victor Male and female Wolf. Yes, the female was also an Alpha.

The term was picked up by movies to portray a dominant man, first in the western movies and now in Indian movies as well - Thanks to Mr. Vanga.

One thing we missed was - that the study was based on wolves in captivity and later proven that it was not a natural wolf behavior.

3) So what's actually an alpha/ how actually wolves behave in wild?

In any Wolf pack, the breeding pair i.e. the parents wolves are the alpha pair. They set rules, take care of their off-springs and are more of a family like us - humans.

They is little to no fighting for dominance, no constant struggles and is based on cooperation; not oppression. The alphas are chosen more for their experience as opposed to force. The Off-springs when reach adulthood leave the pack - to form their own wolfpacks and be its alpha pairs. There is also very little evidence of any incest.

In Some cases, it has been noted that the adult off-springs stay with their original family - taking care of their parents, often mirroring a traditional Human Joint Family.

There are theories suggesting that even Dr. Mech wanted to kill the term "Alpha Wolf" as it was misplaced.

4) Sexuality?

The Last part of a traditional misconception of being alpha - having multiple partners. The Wolves majorly are known to be monogamic in nature, often having only one partner for their lives.

It is even seen that grey wolves mate for life and if one of the partner passes away - they never settle for another. Instead they mourn them till their own death.

Conclusion :

While the world glorifies "Alpha Wolf", remember that nature didn't intend to us be that way. If you relate to laws and regulations to feel like you are in captivity - you are wrong there too. These constructions are part of any society, even in the wild for the wolves.

Next time, someone tries to be toxic and calls them an alpha - Call them out for their ignorance. Also, let's distance ourselves or our kids from such movies. Sorry but not so Sorry Mr. Vanga.