Is It Possible to Raise Your Child Without Barney The Purple Paedophile?

I've always hated Barney, and when my step-sister had a kid, and my mother introduced him to Barney to piss her off, I thought it was pretty funny. Until he started demanding Barney all the freaking time.

I've told my mother that if she introduces The Kid to Barney I will never talk to her again (dont know how much of a threat that actually is). I swore all throughout my pregnancy that Barney will not feature in The Kid's life. When I walk past Barney merchandise in the stores I get the heebies. When I read Other Bad Mommies' Blogs I see how Barney has just about broken their last shred of remaining sanity.

Is it possible to keep this vow and avoid Barney? Or he he an inevitable perversion in my life? What effect is he going to have on my child? Is it safe?

I remember, back in high school, one of my friends made up (or heard) a dirty version of Barney, now that's all I hear when I hear the Barney song:

"I love you, you love me,

Barney gave me HIV,

It started with a kiss

And it went to far

All in the back of Barney's car!"