The Gargoyle's Portrayal of Gender "The Michigan Yearbook of Cartoons" was not the only publication that focused on gender roles and the difference between men and women. The Gargoyle, a monthly student run magazine, one to which Gower also contributed his artistic talents, had humorous anecdotes, as well as poetry, that focused on this idea. In one 1920 issue, The Gargoyle has an article written by a woman about "The Michigan Man," and a response by a "Michigan Man" about his female counterpart.
In the first article, the woman explained the four types of "Michigan Men," describing them on a scale from "Goody Good Little Boy" to "Bad, Bad Little Boy." She explained that none were deserving of the title "man" as they were immature. She described the first boy as a "Goody Good Little Boy" deeming him uninteresting. The next type, the "Good Little Boy," was the "college man," obsessed with college, always using strong language, but ambitious as he was extremely involved in extracurricular activities. This was the boy who would win the "Michigan Woman's" heart in the end. The next category was the "Little Boy Who Would Like To Be Bad, But Can't." He was the most mature, almost a young man, and he was the one that made the girls get nervous and giddy. He made their palms sweat and heart flutter, but was stuck on himself to see the good thing he was letting go right past him. The final "Michigan Man" was the "Bad, Bad Boy" and the women knew little about him. He was always with the boys, but the women secretly wanted to change his ways and reform him. However, before they could get a chance, he was expelled for his devilish ways.
Though the "Michigan Man" would not refute anything the woman wrote, he took the job of describing the "Michigan Woman." Again, there four types. The first was the "Prim and Proper," a very intelligent and beautiful young woman, but to caught up in her own greatness to recognize what she was missing. The next was the "fluffy ruffles" type, too concerned with her appearance and social life and lacking the intellect. She was fun, but not a keeper. Type number three, was the "Bad, Bad Boy's" counterpart. Referred to as a vamp, though pretty, not respected. She wore too much makeup and took all the mens' money. Nonetheless, she was not considered a real "Michigan Woman." Type number four, however, was just perfect. She was the one the men would marry. She was a friend and someone who could act as a comrade, just as their male friends had been. She was as pretty as the men wanted her to be, and everything they wanted. Each man and each woman had a counterpart. Though while at college, they would have fun with all different types of people, the authors shared a similar definition of who they would marry. Interestingly, they felt they would marry another Michigan student. They had come to college to do their own thing, meet new people, make good friends, have fun, and get an education in the process, but they would leave with a companion for life. The two sexes would come together, keeping to their gender roles, and start a new life, leaving college behind.
