What was that “Indigenous smallpox” line in the Barbie movie?

The Indigenous smallpox reference made in the movie has caused a lot of fiery feedback and confusion on social media 

Released on July 21, 2023, the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken has received great reviews. At over 350 million dollars, it saw the highest opening weekend for a female director, Greta Gerwig. 

Additional characters in the movie include Will Ferrell as the Mattel CEO, Rhea Perlman as Ruth, Michael Cera as Allan and Helen Mirren as the narrator.  There is a range of other supporting roles and cameos from such names as America Ferrara as Gloria, her daughter Sasha played by Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, John Cena, Dua Lipa and many more.

Admittedly, I thought many moments in the movie were funny, but, as an Indigenous man, I am an Akwesasne Mohawk, there was a line that took me out of the moment. 

The real world vs Barbie Land

In the Barbie movie, Margot Robbie, who portrays the leading Barbie character, decides to travel to the real world to explore the conflicting thoughts she has been having. She is joined by Ken.

The movie’s description by Warner Bros. is as follows:

Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

Upon arrival in the real world, Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, sees patriarchy for the first time. Eventually, both Ken and Barbie return, and, at one point, the Barbies in Barbie Land are now under the influence of the Ken dolls.

That Indigenous smallpox line

As the Barbies are complying with the Kens, Barbie (Margot Robbie) says in an exasperated voice, “What is happening?” One Barbie, portrayed by Emma Mackey, replies, “I know, isn’t it great?” 

Another Barbie, portrayed by Hari Nef, says to the Kens, “Anyone want a brewski beer?” To which Barbie (Margot Robbie) replies, “But you’re a doctor!” Barbie (Hari Nef) says, “I like being a helpful decoration.” 

Barbie (Emma Mackey) then says, “I like not having to make any decisions. It’s like a spa day for my brain forever.” 

The Indigenous smallpox reference comes when Barbie (Margot Robbie) asks out loud, “What is wrong with them?” 

Ken (Ryan Gosling) says to the other Ken (Kingsley Ben-Adir,) “We just explained to them the immaculate, impeccable, seamless garment of logic that is patriarchy, and they crumbled.”

Gloria responds, “Oh My God, this is like in the 1500s with the Indigenous People and smallpox. They had no defenses against it.”

Ryan Gosling, dressed in a bandana and huge fur coat, says, “Yeah. Buckle up, babe, Because Barbie Land is now Ken Land.”

My thoughts

As an Indigenous man, I found the comment to be out of place. It’s inappropriate to compare the deaths of Indigenous people who contracted smallpox, to Barbies under the influence of Kens. 

I spoke to the women in my family about these lines in the movie, and they agreed it was out of place. Their comments also included, “We just played with Barbie and wanted the problems of the world to disappear.”

When I went to the theater to see Barbie, I wished I could have left the world behind and just laughed at a silly, campy movie. For instance, Kate McKinnon, as weird Barbie and Michael Cera as Allan were hilarious. 

But as an Indigenous man, I once again heard that awful unexpected record scratch of an unwanted reference, that ripped me out of the moment.  

I never played with Barbies as a kid, so I am certain I missed a ton of great references. So as a Rotten Tomatoes critic, I won’t be giving the film a formal number rating.