The Alpha Female .... Pros, Cons & Coexistence in the Caribbean

By Chet Euton

The Alpha Female, she exists and they are out there. Not traveling in wild marauding packs or hysterically shrieking mobs but managing corporations, leading governments, inspiring others, building countries and reconstructing the Caribbean in all contemporary aspects. The historical existence of women throughout the Caribbean especially women of color who have in the past toiled as field labors and household servants has always served as a benchmark for today's enlightened upwardly mobile Caribbean women wanting to realize new accomplishments and break personal grounds. Their social and civil status as minuscule as it may have been is taking on new dimensions and the Caribbean woman is redefining her self. At present irregardless of her now diverse ethnic origins, she is the epitome of Alpha Female!
For starters forget the pejorative perception associated with Alpha Males, the excessive masculinity, the tyrannical behavior and the sexual aggression. The Alpha Female from tip to toe is a dissimilar persona with inherent qualities suited for her success and her survival.
But what does it take for a woman to be successful on a small island where slave mentality still roams better than cellular service? What are the advantages of these accomplishments and what are the costs?
Before we can identify "Ms. Alpha" and her focus let us first seek to define her broadly so as not to limit our assessment. This hybrid woman in layman terms is all of or combinations of the following traits, physical prowess, self assuredness, voracious intelligence, a high achiever, shrewd when required, socially adept, effortlessly talented (in her field) and able to achieve her goals wholly! Not to be confused with the controlling, loud-mouthed, over assertive, typical type "A" female; the "Other" female who is an insecure self indulgent doppelganger that thrives on pandemonium, misinformation and misdirection to greatly complicate life. But that is another topic of discussion.
What motivates The Alpha Female? Largely the potential for success; success that she may measure by her journey, her results, recognition or possibly the wealth, prestige and power that normally motivates her male counterparts and accompanies the diverse levels of success in today's patriarch societies. A success which in Caribbean societies by nature is often quite a fleeting experience for women in general.
In my humble estimation because of the era we live in, there isn't too much "Major Pioneering" by professional women today. Now I didn't say there wasn't any and before some of you get defensive grab a rope and saddle up, this is what I am indicating. There have been numerous women in previous decades that have opened crucial and key doors to attain many principal achievements, which have set precedence and bookmarked history. Logically today the next step for the Alpha Female is to take it to the next level, pick up the ground work and run with it. It's more the utilization of inroads that have been laid, developing the networks and strategically placing ones self based on this precedence in a position to obtain success. Take for example Professor Joycelin Massiah who in my assessment is one of those few pioneers and a genuine Caribbean Alpha Female. Professor Massiah's life path rises above Caribbean boundaries, having been born in Guyana, studied and worked for several years in Jamaica and now residing as a citizen of Barbados. She is a renowned Caribbean academic, scholar and intellectual who can be characterized by her many "firsts", an appropriate indication of a career focused on nothing short of excellence. Professor Joycelin Massiah is well known for her groundbreaking research project on "Women in the Caribbean" and her vision and commitments are most definitely an integral component to the overall evolution of the Caribbean region.
What are the pitfalls? In most instances the very qualities and character that drives the Alpha Female to the forefront of her endeavors ironically aren't enough to propel them to their goals, and may even be possibly holding them back. Such situations and missed opportunities are often produced by men's unwillingness to mentor women, the fear of emasculation by men in professional and personal relationships with Alpha Females. Blatant discrimination, women's segregation from informal networks, an uncertainty to consider women for challenging posts and women's own battles to balance careers, relationships and families.
Ultimately the greatest disadvantage is the definite chance of losing oneself on the pilgrimage to success. Case in point I quote Marianne Williamson "Electing women to positions of political power does not in itself guarantee the expression of a feminine voice in the external world. Once in power, women can be tempted to conspire with the paternalistic system that they feel has so magnanimously allowed them a place at the table. They feel compelled to be strong men among strong men."
Now I am not devaluing Ms. Alpha by no means, way, shape or form. Nor can I propose answers or solutions to these barriers. Empowerments come from within; I merely want to convey my commendation of her independence and individuality in an ever more industrialized Caribbean region while shedding light on the trials and tribulations of the Alpha Female. My suggestion is a "Peaceful Coexistence" a cold war term that in concept asserts contrasts can exist. Let us be cognizant of this on a day to day basis with hopes of lessening the "Antagonistic contradiction" with mutual respect and unfeigned equality.
Inevitably with anticipation we may be looking at an era of Caribbean Alpha Females who are consensus leaders, providers and builders. Who don't lead from the front but propel their colleagues, constituents and companies forward using the conventional female skills such as listening, nurturing and the conscientiousness that is woman. Hopefully with inclusive support, the prospect of keeping this strange new world together and all the while encouraging humanity the alpha female will take her respective place in Caribbean society.