Mr. Song

 

KATIE

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

From a parent’s view point, I would feel disappointed if my son dropped out of medical school and went to art school. Because there are quite a little people who succeed and make a lot of money in the art field. Parents tend to force their kid to become a doctor because they don’t want kids to be worried about money in their lives. But, from a child’s wishes point of view, they have the right to decide what to do for living. So, I think it is important for parents and kids to really thinks things through, and kids should not give up trying to persuade their parents.

Aretha Franklin’s music

I watched some videos of Aretha Franklin. Her voice is powerful and soulful. Because  her father is a powerful minister, she inherited her father’s charisma. I think Luke’s hat looks really good on her. It is very unique and gorgeous but appropriate for President Barak Obama’s inauguration. Since the camera zooms in on her face most of the time while she’s singing, Luke’s hat makes her face look brighter.

MAIIA

Luke’s visit to the Black church

The church was a strange place for Luke, but he was surprised and proud when he saw so many hats that he and his mother had made. All around him, he could see the result of many years of their work. Each hat was special to the woman who wore it. It made her look beautiful and feel more confident. He saw how much their work meant to these women.

If I were in Luke’s place, I would feel proud too. I would also be deeply touched that so many women trusted my taste and talent.

Aretha Franklin’s music

When Aretha Franklin first came into Luke’s mother’s store, she was already a famous singer. I think Luke was impressed by her presence and by the way everyone on the block stopped what they were doing to watch her. He knew who she was, so seeing her in person must have been an unforgettable moment for him.

I hadn’t heard Aretha sing before, but today I listened to several of her songs from different years. I really like her voice, it is warm, powerful and beautiful. I also like the way she sings and how much feeling she puts into her songs. No wonder she is called the Queen of Soul.

JN ELAINE

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I think the key is balance. Parents focus on stability and income, while the child focuses on interest and passion. If the child has both real skill and commitment, like Luke with art, then following that path makes sense and parents can support it, but if it’s only a like without ability or that kind of potential, then parents worry it could be risky. So the most important thing is whether the child has both the passion and the ability to build a life from it.

Luke’s visit to the Black church

When Luke and his mother saw so many people wearing the hats they designed, they must have felt a huge sense of achievement. They were proud because so many people liked their designs, and their work became part of other people’s lives. For me, it’s the same feeling.

My family has a fabric factory in China. Last year, when we went to a fashion show in New York, our customer Grace Ling used our fabric for her designs. When we saw the models walking on stage in clothes made from our fabric, we felt incredibly proud!  It was like all our hard work was finally recognized. That moment gave us the same sense of achievement and pride!!

OLEKSANDRA

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

Life is an amazing thing, so in my opinion it’s better never to say “never.” Everything can be changed in one moment, and there is no need to be surprised in a change in the studies direction. I think Luke made the right decision. He was young, his parents were healthy, and he didn’t have a family of his own yet – so when else could he make a change?

If Luke were my son, I wouldn’t worry about him too much. His grades were excellent, and he was very close to finishing medical school. A son like that would look like someone who knows what he wants – and that is the most important thing. I might have tried to make a deal with him: if his art career didn’t work out, he would have to finish medical school and get his degree.

Of course, as parents, we want the best for our kids, but anyway it is their life, and only they can make the final decision.

Art schools and art

I’m not informed about art schools, but I think a lot depends on the leading teachers, and the general focus of a specific school.
As for art galleries, I prefer the Impressionists from the early 20th century – such as Claude Monet and Édouard Manet. I also enjoy the graphic artists of tha same time, like Klimt and Mucha.

ANNA

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I think Luke did the right thing. He understood that medicine was not what he really wanted to do. He was a creative person and wanted to study art. It was a risky decision, but in the end, he became a successful hat designer.

If Luke were my son, I would probably be worried at first. As a mother, I want my children to have a good education and a stable future, but I also think children should have a chance to choose their own path.  I would support my son if I saw that he was serious about his dream.

Is there anyone in your life you have a  wonderful relationship with?

Yes, there is a person in my life with whom I have a particularly wonderful relationship. This person is my husband. We have a very close and trusting relationship. I can talk to him about almost everything – my feelings, worries, plans, and dreams. I know that he will listen to me and try to understand me.

Like Luke and Martha Jean, I think it is very important to have someone who supports you and believes in you. My husband is that person for me. I trust him, and I know I can always count on his support.

Luke had this kind of relationship with Martha Jean. She supported him and encouraged him to follow his dream. When he wanted to leave his pre-med program and go to art school, she told him to go for it. I think everyone needs a person like that in their life.

DENISE

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I strongly support Luke’s decision, and I admire him for having the courage to choose his own path. I think he did the right thing because he was willing to take a risk to pursue what he truly wanted.

As an Asian, I understand why his parents were worried. In my generation, many Asian parents prefer that their children follow a safe and practical career path. However, I was lucky that my mother supported me when I wanted to learn art. This taught me that parents can guide their children, but they should also give them some freedom to choose their own path.

If Luke were my son, I would definitely worry at first. I would talk with him about the risks and benefits of his decision, but if he still wanted to follow his dream, I would support him and be there for him.   I believe parents should help their children prepare for challenges, rather than choose their entire future for them. This is also something I’ve learned from my family.

Aretha Franklin’s music

Before watching Luke’s story, I had never heard of Aretha Franklin. After reading the real story about Luke Song, I became curious about her and looked up photos and videos of her. What impressed me most was her look at Obama’s inauguration. She looked very different from many of her earlier looks, and I think it made her even more memorable. The hat really brought out her personality and unique style.

After learning Luke’s story, I think this hat means much more than just a beautiful design.
Luke chose to follow his passion for art, instead of becoming a doctor, even though it was a very different path from what his parents expected. He used his creativity and understanding of Aretha’s style to create a hat that suited her perfectly.

For me, to see a Korean American artist’s creation worn by an African-American music icon at Obama’s inauguration is a beautiful example of the American Dream. Luke took a risk, followed his talent, and eventually his art became part of an important American moment.

His story makes me feel that following your dream can sometimes be worth the risk. His story really encourages me!

NAIRA

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I think Luke did the right thing because he followed his dream. If Luke were my son, I would be worried at first, but I would support him. Parents want the best for their children, but sometimes they don’t know what makes their children happy. I think children should have the freedom to choose their own path.

Aretha Franklin’s music

In her performance, she looked beautiful.  It was a very special moment for everyone there, especially for Luke and his mom. I think it was a beautiful and emotional moment for them.

I listened to the song, but I only understood one word: “freedom.”

SVITLANA H

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I can easily imagine how Luke’s parents felt when he dropped out of medical school.

The worst part was that it happened right at the finish line, after a great amount of money had already been spent. He didn’t become a doctor but he didn’t become an artist too. I doubt that path of artist would have brought him a fortune and good money. I know many well-known artists who are famous today, but died in poverty and obscurity. I am convinced he could have become a successful, wealthy doctor because he was a hardworking young man – but his youthful dreams kept his head in the clouds.

Had I been raising that child, I would have given him the right to choose his own profession from the very beginning, rather than imposing my own opinion. I would have let him try himself at art school first, at whatever he had the desire and talent for, especially if this education was free. It is never too late to change careers. When you have enough time, savings or earnings to make a radical life change, anything is possible.

Aretha Franklin’s music

I listened to Aretha Franklin’s music.  I have to say, it’s not really my genre. I hear the rhythms, the bass, and the powerful R&B-style vocals. Her music calls for strength and respect for one’s own choices. Although her songs focus on themes relevant to women; they appeal to Luke to be strong.

However, I prefer calmer, more lyrical melodies – such as indie folk or indie rock with a simple acoustic sound. I prefer to listen to more peaceful and relaxing music because I’m tired of tension.

OIUNA

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I can’t imagine myself in Luke’s place because I would never leave medical school to study at an art school. But in the end, I think Luke made the right decision because he found what he really loves. He is a creative person, and he enjoys working with his hands and making new hats. I think this kind of creative work is his calling.

As a parent, I would probably be very upset if Luke were my son. I have a 13-year old son myself, and he is also thinking about a future in medicine, but I don’t pressure him to choose this career. I think parents’ wishes are not the most important thing because every child is different. Children don’t have to be like their parents. I think parents should first think about their child’s abilities, interests, and what the child really wants to do.

Is there anyone in your life you have a particularly wonderful relationship with?

Yes, I have a friend who I have a very good relationship with. I met her about two years ago here in Brooklyn. She is about six years older than me. We understand each other very well. We have similar interests and similar views on life, so it is very easy for us to communicate.

I also have a very good relationship with my parents. I am always in touch with them. I have never had a situation where I rarely talked to them. Of course, sometimes I don’t tell them everything because I don’t want to worry them about certain things. They live far away, and sometimes they may not understand some of the difficulties of living in another country.

I’m very happy that I found someone here in Brooklyn with whom I have such a good friendship. It is really important to have a person you can understand and feel comfortable with.

ROBERT

Luke’s educational choices and his parents’ reaction

I can’t imagine giving up medical school for art school because medical school is more prestigious than art school. I think Luke made the right decision. Sometimes parents regret what they didn’t do in the past; they wanted to force Luke to be a doctor, thinking it’s best for him. If I were Luke’s father, I’d force him to finish his medical training.

Something similar happened to me; my parents wanted me to be a lawyer or architect, but I decided to be an engineer!!

On the other hand, parents can decide what’s best for their children. In my case, I would like my daughter to be a doctor; however, I respect her decision. I believe Luke made this decision because inside he knows he is an artist, no matter what they think or suggest. Martha Jean only gave him advice. He can make his own decision because he is good at art and he believes in himself. His parents supported him when they saw his potential and now they are very proud of him. Parental wishes and children’s wishes are both important, but it depends on many factors; for example, he made his dream come true. That was very important to his mother.

Despite his father not agreeing with him, now he can see his hat on everybody’s head; that’s why I think Luke is brave to talk with his parents and be honest with them about what it’s really like to be in the future because many times we fail and give up. Luke keeps his resiliency and constancy always. I think his parents are happy with him.

Is there anyone in your life you have a particularly wonderful relationship with?

Something similar to happening to me. My father wanted me to be a lawyer or architect but my uncle supported me in making other options because I really didn’t know what I wanted to be.

My uncle suggested that I study industrial engineering. That’s was the best decision I have made in my life because right now that is my profession.   I have 32 years of experience working in 5 countries.   I feel I made the right decision. That’s why I feel understand being in Luke’s shoes. Sometimes it’s better taking advice from relatives or  friends because you feel more comfortable.

My uncle is my mother’s brother and he was very special to me because my parents were divorced and my life was affected by this decision.  I thought about leaving school, but my uncle guided me and supported me because he was working and he taught me how to be successful with studies and efforts.

KIRILL

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I think sometimes we should listen to our heart and do what we feel. Sometimes we make mistakes we made before to good results now. We should see every event as an experience and try not to judge it. We don’t know why we got this experience, but later we see that without it, we would not have what we have now.

I think I would let my child choose and take responsibility for his or her choice. We should not be afraid to make mistakes. We fix them, learn from them and go forward. I think this is right. The most important thing is not to be afraid of mistakes, and to have the strength to fix them and go to the end. Our life is growth. ✨🙏😇

Art schools and art

In fact, I applied to Parsons as a designer. They accepted me because I have a good portfolio and my cover letter was excellent.✨🤌 God bless ChatGPT which helped me translate all my thoughts.  I agree that technique alone is not enough. Art must cause emotions and give questions or answers. Unfortunately just copying an image, even very skillfully, is only a form of copying – “craft” rather than “art.”

I love going to museums and art exhibitions. I know many artists, and I don’t understand everything in art. but it is like different languages and senses. Something speaks to you, and something is not clear. It all depends on your experience, knowledge, openness, and empathy.

My favorite places are art galleries in Chelsea, especially Gagosian. He is a Armenian art dealer who became influential and famous in the art market of New York and the whole world selling the most in-demand contemporary artists. I even have a sticker on my phone from their last exhibition.

MADELAINE

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I think it would be scary to leave medical school because it is a career with a clear future. But I think Luke made the right choice because art was what he really wanted to do. If he were my son, I would probably be worried and maybe even disagree with him at first. But if I saw that he was serious about art and happy with his decision, I would support him. Parents can give advice, but children should have the chance to choose their own future.

Luke’s visit to the Black church

I think Luke was probably surprised to see his hats in a place that was so different from what he knew. At the same time, I think he felt proud because his work had become part of the community. If I were there, I would probably feel a little shocked at first. Then I would feel really proud seeing something I made being used and appreciated by so many people.

NADEZHDA P

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

To me, the key word here is “TRUST.” 

The fact that Luke dropped out of medical school and then art college – well, I might not have understood it right away, but you have to trust your children. I would compare this to a real-life situation: for instance, if your son or daughter chose a spouse and you didn’t like the person, what would you do?

I believe that everyone should live their own life rather than trying to fulfill their parents’ dreams.

Luke’s visit to the Black church

“It is the result of my labor.”

Luke and his mother go to church and he sees all his hats there. I know that feeling; it is similar to how I felt when I worked as a design engineer. I used to work on improving equipment performance – devising, designing, and implementing new solutions.

And when you see the result of your work, it brings a sense of satisfaction and pride knowing that your efforts are truly needed by people.

OLEG

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I cannot imagine going to art school after medical studies. From a parent’s viewpoint, I would feel worried and disappointed if Luke were my son. But the real problem was not that he left college. The problem was that he went to art school.

Luke is not really an artist – he is an entrepreneur. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg also left college to build businesses. Luke and his mother found their customers – Black women in church who wanted unique hats.

They even got free advertising on the radio because the radio host was their client. Today they sell hats, tomorrow they can sell something else. The important thing is to understand customers and build a business.That is why he became successful.

Luke’s visit to the Black church

Luke and his mother went to Martha-Jean’s church and saw many hats they designed. I think Luke felt proud and surprised. He saw that their hats were popular and important for these women.

If I were sitting in that church and saw many of my own products, I would feel happy and successful. It shows that they understood their customers very well. This is a good example of real business – finding the right people and giving them what they need.

ENNY

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

Yes, because I need to feel love about where I invest in what is a large part of my life.

Did Luke do the right thing?
Yes, because he wasn’t happy.

I think his mother wants the best for her son and she thought she was doing what was best for him.

Art schools and art

Art school is a special kind of school where people go to learn how to paint, draw, make sculptures, and design cool things.

Are they pretentious?
Not all artists are pretentious, though some project an image of superior importance, talent, or culture, they need to look elegant and attractive to catch people’s eyes.

The most important thing when visiting an art gallery is to connect with the meaning and message behind the works, not just observe the technique or the aesthetic value.

ANTONIA

Luke’s educational choices, his parents reaction

I would be very disappointed and frustrated if my son gave up on medical school, especially if I had paid for it. But Luke’s story is different. Luke didn’t drop out of medical school, he dropped his pre-med program.

This means he would be educated as a bachelor of biology and could apply to medical school after that. Therefore, Luke’s family didn’t lose too much money, and Luke didn’t spend unnecessary years on it, he just changed his bachelor’s program. I think it’s not a big problem.

Luke’s mother had a successful business in their town, and sooner or later, a decision regarding the business’s future would have to be made. Given his education and experience in the family business, Luke is the best person to carry it on. It is possible that in real life – unlike in the movie – there were no major disagreements between Luke and his mother.

Luke’s visit to the Black church

For Luke and his mom, going to church was like preserving a collection – something like a fashion show. I imagine they found it quite interesting to observe their customers. I would have found it interesting, too. Even if I had not made the hats myself, I would have loved to visit a place where everyone wears fancy hats.

 

Are art schools pretentious?

I know that art schools usually teach different areas of art and design, such as painting, drawing, photography, fashion and graphic design. Some art schools can be quite demanding and competitive, but I don’t think they are necessarily pretentious. If I walked around an art gallery, I would be most interested in modern and contemporary art. I enjoy looking at works that have an interesting idea behind them and make me think.