not to make light of that particular reference, I have occasionally had the conceit of labeling myself a "silverback", along with certain admired friends---merely commenting on the fact that we are older primates in the herd, and have perhaps earned a stripe or two; a nod to science, rather than racism...It's odd to me that I should have to pause and consider skin color when making this remark, but I suppose that is indeed the reality, during a time when bigotry has new and increased access to the public forum.

Influences to popular culture and cultural terms span a gamut of sources, from Dian Fossey's popularized work among mountain gorillas, to more mythical references and analogies.  There are common twisted usages of animal comparisons, often considered insulting---And then there are the cats, dogs, foxes, the hawks, the donkeys and elephants, bulls, lemmings, tigers, lions, and bears, and yes, gorillas.  I don't know if animal analogies will disappear...Consult the Chinese Zodiac