Connecticut Offering $25 For Every Violent Video Game Destroyed

It would appear that the folks in Southington, Connecticut are looking to terminate the enemy with extreme prejudice – the enemy being violent media of all shapes and sizes. The group hosting the event by the name of "Violent Video Games Return Program" will be allowing in all manner of violent media with a promise that they'll get a $25 "certificate" for every unit they turn in from the local Chamber of Commerce. One thing they'll be sure to have victory on is a massive pile of old games and movies, that's for sure – how empty their pocketbooks will be at the end of this may be a different story.

This event is being organized by SouthingtonSOS and includes groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, board of education, fire department, town officials, United Way and local clergy. The group was first formed after Hurricane Katrina and is now a way for the community to group up quick in the face of danger – tragedies for the most part. Southington School superintendent Joe Erardi spoke up on the measure:

"There are youngsters who appear to be consumed with violent video games," he said. "I'm not certain if that's a good thing. If this encourages one courageous conversation with a parent and their child, then it's a success.

We're suggesting that for parents who have a child or children who play violent video games, to first of all view the games. We're asking parents to better understand what their child is doing. Have a conversation about next steps. If parents are comfortable (with their child's gaming habits), we're comfortable." – Erardi

The event will be held at the local drive-in movie theater on the 12th of January and will include "a $25 gift voucher intended to be used for other forms of entertainment, like perhaps, a local water park." This event is being held in reaction to the violence in the Newtown that occurred on December 14th, 2012. Erardi has made it clear that the disks turned in "will be snapped, tossed into a town dumpster and likely later incinerated."

"The group's action is not intended to be construed as statement declaring that violent video games were the cause of the shocking violence in Newtown on December 14th. Rather, SouthingtonSOS is saying is that there is ample evidence that violent video games, along with violent media of all kinds, including TV and Movies portraying story after story showing a continuous stream of violence and killing, has contributed to increasing aggressiveness, fear, anxiety and is desensitizing our children to acts of violence including bullying." – SouthingtonSOS Statement

What do you think, folks? Is this a good idea?

[via Polygon]