In the story from "The Color Master," a character finds himself at a table with a larger man adorned with traditional tattoos. These tattoos are emblematic of a time when they signified toughness and a readiness for confrontation, contrasting sharply with the modern perception of tattoos as artistic or spiritual expressions.

This encounter highlights a dichotomy between the past and present, suggesting that tattoos once represented a rougher lifestyle, reflecting the strength and bravado of their wearers, rather than just being an aesthetic choice. The narrative emphasizes how societal meanings of such symbols can evolve over time.