I have long thought that sport and art can be prophetic for society. With the introduction of mixed martial arts and Ultimate fighting in American sport, I was worried for the state of our society.

These ultraviolent combat sports seemed to indicate that we may be headed toward the fall of American society, just as bread and circuses and gladiatorial combat foretold the fall of Roman society.

I found them too violent to watch. Weren’t football and boxing violent enough? I still have concern for the state of our society but for newfound reasons.

We now have professional cornhole airing on ESPN. Really? I haven’t played cornhole much, though I’m sure it’s a fun way to pass some time at a tailgate party or backyard picnic. But a pro league? Actually, there are several now. How desperate have we become to find something to watch on TV? Perhaps you haven’t realized, we also have professional pillow fighting on TV as well. What’s next? Beer pong? Cup stacking? Tiddlywinks? Marbles? Wait, I’ve got it. Pro wack-a-mole.

Most definitions of sport would include an organized activity that involves physical exertion, skill, rules and competition. Do the above games have enough of those ingredients?

I’ve previously mentioned that a couple of these have already had cheating scandals. Some cornhole participants have used smaller bean bags so they will fit through the target hole easier.

My original societal concern about violence in sport still exists, but now there is this extra concern about boredom and what we consider exciting viewing.

However, kudos to cornhole for being an all-inclusive sport. All ages and genders are allowed. Women can compete with men and there are several pro competitors who are as young as 12 years old. We need more sports with fewer classifications.

I don’t know for sure, but I would assume there would be no controversy with having trans competitors. Notice I did not use the term athletes there. I just can’t. OK, here I go again. I’ve gone right up to the boundary of curmudgeonry. I made up that form of the word and feel that I have the right to use it.

Some of you, dear readers, may think I have crossed the line with this complaint. I firmly do not. Does anything have value anymore? Is nothing sacred? True sport is sacred to me and as it has been such a huge part of my life, I feel the need to be its protector.

Along with laughter, play is one of the universal languages of humanity. We do not need to speak each other’s language to be able to smile, laugh and play together. Notice those three accompany each other so well. Plato tells us, “You can learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Sophocles gives us, “I would prefer to fail with honor than win by cheating.”

When I started this piece, I did not intend to go all Greek philosophical on you, but my growing seething anger has caused it to occur. I don’t think I want to live in a world where some people feel the need to cheat at cornhole.

So please, please, please vote. The health of our society and perhaps the fate of all humankind demands it. My job here is done. (Spoken while striking a Superman pose with a wide stance, hands on hips, head at 45-degree angle, with gaze and jutted jaw aimed skyward). And now I must go.

Jim Cross is a retired Fort Lewis College professor and basketball coach.