So far only conventional types of urban media were discussed. In this post I will try and analyse the connection between public and private in urban environment. During the recent FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil football fans around the world tried to support their country/favourite team in every way possible. So to see various flags hanging out from the residential buildings’ windows became a norm in many cities across the globe. Residents (both immigrants and local patriots) would show their love and support and sometimes they achieved an extreme levels of obsession with the football game, like the owner of the house on the image below.

Mr. Baddams was clearly sending a message with such excessive decoration of his house and received mixed reactions from the neighbours. But, while some neighbours might be unhappy about this kind of fanaticism, it is expected of local people to support English team in the tournament. It might be a little different, however for immigrants who support their countries from England.

What one feels when, despite moving to another country, he or she still shows loyalty to the historical home? What meaning does an Italian flag hanging out from a window in London has for another Italian passing or driving by? It takes us back to the question of exclusiveness and inclusiveness discussed in the first post. In this case flags convey a certain message, make one feel as if he or she belongs to a certain group of people, even if it’s a minority at this particular location. In a way, it makes both immigrants and locals to feel pride for their country. It is also important when analysing the unifying quality of the World Cup. On one hand, this spectacular event brings people together, especially football fans. On the other hand, it segregates viewers into groups, mostly by their country of origin or country of residence. And the flags that football fans hang out from their windows serve to say something about their unique background, about their national identity and pride for their country.
Flags put together unite all countries of the tournament, but still, people throw coins onto their country’s flag…
The tradition of one’s country’s flag being displayed from the person’s residence for everyone to see implies the blurring of the boundaries between public and private during the global special event that the World Cup is undoubtedly is. In usual times, urbanites are very private and protective when it comes to their place of living, while during the World Cup people volunteer to draw attention to their private space. While in most cases it is a safe thing to do, there is always a tension between football fans of the opposing teams. But, of course, it is up to the individual to take the risk and responsibility for the possible consequences.