Let's talk about pack hierarchy. Where do you all see yourselves in a respective pack? Are you a dominant Alpha, a supportive Beta or the bottom rung Omega? And just a point, teenagers, I don't want to see anybody saying "I fight people all the time and get angry therefore I'm Alpha lol". Be honest, and talk about the way you would truly fit into pack structure.
I know personally I would either be an Alpha female or the daughter of an Alpha. I have an aggressive, overbearing personality and a need to dominate, both in situations where I can see a lack of effective leadership and where I see clear Betas around me. Only last night I had someone ask me why I was so aggressive towards them, and I had to honestly reply "Because you're weak! If you stood up to me I'd feel the need to boss you around less!" In the university society committee I volunteer for, I've even been referred to as the Alpha (by totally non-therian people) for my effortless ability to take over situations.
So what about you guys? Where would you all find yourselves, and why? Be honest, it makes for more stimulating conversation
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I believe I would be a Beta for the fact that the pack I am currently in now I help out the Alpha in various situations.
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I'm very unsure about all this pack hierarchy stuff, I'm not very knowledgable about it all. I definately would not be an alpha, I'm far too reserved. I'm usually the guy who just keeps everyone cheery and happy, and usually just goes along with everyone else to ensure things stay running smoothly.
So what 'roles' would there be in this hierarchy? Alpha and Beta I know of from reading above, but are there any others? If there's a "quiet nice guy" I'm sure I'd fit in that one.
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I've met and worked with plenty of outgoing, aggressive people who made terrible leaders, and a number of quiet types who made excellent ones ( and vice versa ). I don't know if workplace hierarchy is a good litmus relative to wolf pack behavior though. Generally it seems that whoever has the common sense, patience, know-how, tolerance, and fortitude to deal with the hard decisions should get top honors, regardless of surface impressions, but it doesn't always work out that way.
Me, I'd bet I'd make a better Beta ( heh, say that 5 times fast ). I'm no good with management. I like to get my hands dirty helping the team grow and improve at what they do.
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i dont have a pack yet. im a lone wolf!
But if i did, id probably sstep up to alpha if i had to, and i wouldnt be a subbordinate, as i wouldnt like to be a stay-at-den wolf who takes care of pups. but i wouldnt be the outcast either. i guess id be a beta?
Last edited by AshenWolf (2009-10-15 00:51:23)
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Frankly, no individual can know where their position in a pack will be - that's for the pack as a whole to decide. Therians don't respect dominance as a rule (that's usually translated into bombasity). In my experience, Therians respect experience and the willingness to serve. The alpha is the individual who has the experience and the willingness to serve the community.
Last edited by WolfVanZandt (2009-10-15 02:07:11)
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which makes me in my community a beta i would say... theres not much more to it since i help run things when needed and if it comes to it then i take the position of alhpa and run shite..
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so, in other words..... WVZ is our alpha! XD
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Heh....yeah, sure.......
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lol if he was proclaimed i would honor it in this pack, (if this online group is considered one) but in life that would have to be dcided by a few factors i think...
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I don't have a local pack. I'm an advocate for the community and as such I remain rather disassociated from specific groups. The only group that I maintain is the SEHowl and that only because I organize and host it. The people that I maintain closest connection with are pretty much in the same situation as myself and that means we're pretty much on a level playing field.
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To be honest this was only supposed to be a bit of fun...
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i understand what your saying completly... i always will watch out for my community wheather they like it or not...
a level playing field lol im not on their level like all th others but im growing in power myself
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What do you mean, Shady?
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lol ya, i thought it was a good post lol cause i dont mind bending slightly to those who may know more than me...
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AshenWolf wrote:
so, in other words..... WVZ is our alpha! XD
Not mine. I say he's crazy and will lead us off a cliff. :|
Jokingly, of course, but there you see it. Therians don't really have "alphas", just people like VanZandt who people gravitate to. Then again, occasionally there will be a group within a forum/community that rallies around one person's hardline opinion and end up driving all dissension from this opinion (thus ruining the forum), then again, the person who started it eventually fades back into the crowd very fast (after being made a moderator or something).
Obviously, I don't like the idea of proclaiming someone as an alpha. Even with the people who I generally agree with and hold with high regard, I would not substitute their judgment for my own.
Of course, ShadyHowl just said she didn't mean this to be about community matters, but as our animal, what would our position be. I say I have no position, as I hate authority and hierarchies. (then again, that's something raccoons do)
Last edited by SherlawkDragon (2009-10-18 16:52:11)
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He's got a point there. You oughta think about it.
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i am just saying... i never take any kind of advice or information as true without trying it in fire... and when i find trustworthy people i stand by them till i either get stabbed in the back or they fail... im usually the supporter of the more alpha one... i guess lol
i did like your point thoug sherlowk
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Yes. I don't believe that therians should have 'alphas' or be the 'leader' in their community, this didn't have anything much to do with the real world. I was talking in a purely fantasy sense.
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o why is that? now im curious
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In all seriousness, as much as we seem to agree here, me and VanZandt are actually on opposite sides when it comes to alot of the issues that are commonly discussed in the community.
Shady> Yeah, in reality though, a pack isn't a hierarchy, and actually has more of a socialist structure, with different members taking different roles. The "Alpha" is simply the one that the others think is strong and smart enough to make decisions. There's no such thing as a "beta", that's usually the one whose job is to keep watch or play a major hunting role. I think VanZandt would be less of an Alpha, and take more of a 'peacemaker' role within a pack.
shinigami> I have little idea what you are saying, please type better.
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Peacemaker? Me?!?
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WVZ? A peacemaker?!
Hmm... Yea that actually sounds right.
Lol
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Peacemaker or crazy outcast. >!O
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hm...crazy outcast sounds more like it....
But you know? I've never really been an outcast....that's the real kicker.
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