Alpha Dogs

 Here's the next entry from the lost posts notebook.  One of the striking realizations in finding these posts is that if you change out some of the names in the post - they are still true today.  20 years later.  We as individuals don't change as much as we'd like to think.  We as a community/society/world don't learn from our mistakes.   

02/07/03

I'm almost 49 years old.  I have simple expectations of life: love of God, love of family, a strong work ethic, and a basic wish to simply greet each new day.  Then I leave the house and am reminded that no amount of sound upbringing or adherence to basic values ever prepares you for living and competing in an alpha male world.  For those of us who are not alpha males - we are constantly asked to weigh our values against the demands of this alpha world.

On a global level we watch as the tale of Suddam and George W unfolds.  Does Suddam Hussein have anything going for himself besides alpha dog syndrome?  Is that what drives all of his actions?  Are his ego and alpha male tendencies the explanation for George W. and his designates' willingness to hunt Suddam and his designates at the expense of the Iraqi people?  Is terrorism nothing more than alpha dog-ism out of control?

Then there is the personal aspect of dealing with alpha males.  Why do I have to beat an alpha male at his own game in order to be viewed as successful?  What about being true to yourself?  Why, when the alpha dog is beaten ( once again) with consistency, facts, and common sense do I feel absolutely no sense of accomplishment?   Why couldn't he accept the answer before all of the bravado was thrown in?  It's not fun this way.  Does anyone win?

Will George W. or Suddam or their people win in the end?

Why can't I just turn 49 in peace and harmony at work and in the global setting?  Do we ever reach a time when men's egos do not rule the day?

Note to self:  Forget the alpha dogs; you are better than them.

Well, there you have it.  Today, in 2023, change out the names and the global scene has similar problems.  On a personal level, I had no way of knowing my own work life would get so much worse before I saw any improvement.  The alpha male cited here was replaced with a totally unethical tyrant who would serve for 9 years.  Life was a struggle.  I can't say it was fun, but I learned a lot and came out much stronger for the experience.  I just wish we could see significant strides forward in finding peace and kindness in 2023 over 2003 or any time in our past. Perhaps my grandchildren will see this and be able to say - we did it!  We have change and the the alpha dogs are no more.  Let's hope they are not able to just change out the names in 2043.  

The note to self did make me laugh though!