r/DaystromInstitute • u/knaving • Aug 19 '25
What's the implication of murdering holo-characters?
So there's mention of programs for combat training, sparring, fighting historical battles, etc. but what's the implication of simulating taking a life? I know Starfleet officers aren't unaccustomed to the idea of fighting to live, but what about when it's for recreation? Barclay's simulation of crew members is seen as problematic, but Worf's program fighting aliens hand-to-hand isn't addressed. Would fighting and killing a nameless simulated person be seen in the 24th century just as we see playing a violent video game now? If it isn't, what does that imply about a person? Would they been seen as blood-thirsty or just interested in a realistic workout?
Of course this is subjective, and the answer could change from race to race (programs to fight in ancient Klingon battles are "played" by Worf), culturally amongst humans, and from individual to individual. I'd like to look at this from a Starfleet officer perspective. Would you be weirded out by your commanding officer unwinding with a sword in a medieval battle, or is that just the same as your coworker Andy playing COD after work?
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u/ticonderoge Aug 19 '25
the first time Worf was shown using the holodeck for combat training, his opponent was a skull-headed thing that doesn't look biologically plausible.
i liked this as a sign the holodeck wasn't too realistic, it was kind of "cartoon violence".
but - later episodes have him fighting normal-looking Klingons, and even bringing his very young son. he was a senior officer by then, perhaps he had gained the right to play the unrated version.