This thread is showing that we're obviously not all on the same page as to the definition of ‘alpha male.’
Dragonlady is going by a very positive definition.
According to the online dictionaries I went to, the definition is more neutral:
"the most dominant, powerful, or assertive man in a particular group." (
Dictionary.com)
But the whole idea of 'alpha male' is relatively recent, and from what I'm gathering, it's said to be pseudo-science. At least when it's applied in a human context. I think it's more of a pop culture phrase.
Dragonlady, I'm not saying you're wrong, but it seems to me that what you're describing is a true LEADER. This is just my view on it, because even the word 'leader' is neutral... someone's leadership can be good or bad. But in my view, a TRUE leader is someone who leads people in the right direction, and has many of the qualities that some of us have been attributing to a real man. Strength of character, responsibility, trustworthiness, wisdom, courage, humility, etc. So I think what you're doing is defining 'alpha' in the way I define true leader.