Get to know our faculty: Atilla Yoldas

Atilla Yoldas is a Swedish journalist, writer and lecturer. As a columnist for the Swedish newspaper Expressen, he writes about equality and discrimination. And as a lecturer, Atilla focuses on destructive masculinity norms and how they affect individuals and society. His first book, Mansboken – från en kille till en annan (The Man Book – from one guy to another) was released in 2019. 

At SWF20, Atilla will speak about the barriers he’s broken by writing non-fiction. Also, he will take part in “Meet ‘The Debutantes,’” a panel discussion with newly published authors sharing insights into entering the world of publishing.

What led you to write Mansboken – från en kille till en annan (The Man Book – from one guy to another)? And what is a key lesson you want readers to take away from it?
I grew up in a macho culture and was surrounded by it as a young boy. I've experienced it, been inhibited by it and seen what it does to the people around me. I've listened to countless testimonies from women and the LGBTQ society and simultaneously realized how much the destructive and sometimes toxic norms connected to masculinity are ruining society. The violence, misogyny, homophobia and transphobia that are a part of our expectations of what it means to be a man, in different extents, need to be addressed and dealt with. The importance of working with the issues of toxic masculinity and macho culture has driven me to write Mansboken and to continue raising awareness about these issues.

The key lesson I want readers to take away from my book is, first and foremost, the realization that "being a man" shouldn't be a one-way street. Dealing with toxic masculinity doesn't mean one "can't be a man anymore" — it simply means we should discard the destructive or harmful norms and actions that are connected to masculinity and focus on the good parts. Another key is learning that we actually can change ourselves and the men around us and that we and the people we care about benefit from it.

What was the most challenging part of completing this novel, and how did you push through?
The most challenging part about completing Mansboken was the short deadline. I wanted to be able to publish it in time for the annual book fair in Gothenburg so I had to write the first draft in about two months. But I did it! Mainly thanks to the incredibly inspirational people I had the honor to interview for the book and copious amounts of coffee.

Equality and discrimination are often tough to write about — what advice on these topics do you have for other authors?
It is tough, but it shouldn't be. My advice to other authors writing about inequality and discrimination is to read up on a lot of research and science, interviews and other literature on the subjects. That way you'll feel secure enough with the knowledge that you have when there is backlash in the form of anti-feminist, racist and homophobic attacks solely based on feelings and opinions. Equality is an issue of human rights — not opinions of the privileged.

What are you most looking forward to at SWF20?
I'm most looking forward to meeting all the authors and visitors! I can't wait to walk around, soaking in the atmosphere and having many great conversations. Hopefully, I'll see you there!

See all SWF20 faculty on our faculty webpage.