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One of the things that many sociologists talk about now is the concept of the "alpha male", the head honcho etc. You would assume that the archetype alpha man would be tall, possess a deep voice, have big muscles, have a dominant personality and make a lot of money (or at least have achieved top status in something such as sports, music etc).
As far as the traditional alpha definition goes, one might say Ed most typified this persona- after all he had actually played AFL at the professional level. It doesn't get much more high-status in Australia than to be a top footballer!
However, I would like to propose that there is such a thing as a "situational alpha"- to use an extreme example- the conductor of a symphony orchestra. Outside the orchestra, the conductor is probably not going to win too many fights- physically or socially.
I would like to propose that Tim is the (situational) Big Brother alpha- the master of the orchestra! Tim is certainly eccentric- even slightly effeminate but this is his strength. Sun Tzu in "The Art of War" instructed those who sought power to "be fluid". Tim is certainly fluid- he can hang out with the guys wihout ever completely being "one of the guys"; he can also hang out with the girls without being overly feminine. He is charismatic and he can read people (eg- the rocks metaphor). He has the capacity to make people feel good about themselves and he uses this within a system of rewards and punishments wherein Tim can withdraw the "good feeling" he's been supplying. His dominance occurs through sheer force of personality (e.g jumping on people's beds in the morning is claiming his territory) and creativity. Having said this, someone can be both manipulative and also thoroughly decent.
The other thing about Tim is that he offers a combination of raw honesty and plausible deniability- he has a way of letting you know that he may be manipulating you but always offers some doubt. For instance, his charm allows him to admit to the housemates to employing certain tactics but then offers just enough schmoozing to suggest that this was in the past and there was a special circumstance that forced him to employ that tactic.
I know I'm just crapping on here but I can't help it- I'm an ENTP! Just wanted to know your thoughts on Tim the unlikely Alpha Male
As far as the traditional alpha definition goes, one might say Ed most typified this persona- after all he had actually played AFL at the professional level. It doesn't get much more high-status in Australia than to be a top footballer!
However, I would like to propose that there is such a thing as a "situational alpha"- to use an extreme example- the conductor of a symphony orchestra. Outside the orchestra, the conductor is probably not going to win too many fights- physically or socially.
I would like to propose that Tim is the (situational) Big Brother alpha- the master of the orchestra! Tim is certainly eccentric- even slightly effeminate but this is his strength. Sun Tzu in "The Art of War" instructed those who sought power to "be fluid". Tim is certainly fluid- he can hang out with the guys wihout ever completely being "one of the guys"; he can also hang out with the girls without being overly feminine. He is charismatic and he can read people (eg- the rocks metaphor). He has the capacity to make people feel good about themselves and he uses this within a system of rewards and punishments wherein Tim can withdraw the "good feeling" he's been supplying. His dominance occurs through sheer force of personality (e.g jumping on people's beds in the morning is claiming his territory) and creativity. Having said this, someone can be both manipulative and also thoroughly decent.
The other thing about Tim is that he offers a combination of raw honesty and plausible deniability- he has a way of letting you know that he may be manipulating you but always offers some doubt. For instance, his charm allows him to admit to the housemates to employing certain tactics but then offers just enough schmoozing to suggest that this was in the past and there was a special circumstance that forced him to employ that tactic.
I know I'm just crapping on here but I can't help it- I'm an ENTP! Just wanted to know your thoughts on Tim the unlikely Alpha Male
