Answer :
In the given paragraph from "A Quilt of a Country," the central idea can be summarized as follows:
1. **America is a united country despite its cultural differences.**
The author explores the intricate and intertwined nature of American society, highlighting the coexistence of diverse cultural groups within the nation. Despite tensions and conflicts among different groups, the author emphasizes the shared space and interactions that occur, such as Arab cabbies driving Jewish passengers and vice versa. This interwoven fabric of interactions, even amidst theoretical hatred and divisions, showcases the complex yet united nature of America.
2. **America's cultural differences make it impossible to live peacefully.**
Another interpretation could focus on the challenges posed by cultural differences in America. The paragraph underscores the potential for conflict and hostility arising from the diversity of the nation. The mention of various groups always seeming on the verge of conflict suggests a volatile environment where peace is fragile due to the vast array of cultural backgrounds and perspectives present in the country.
Both interpretations capture different aspects of the paragraph's message, showcasing the complex nature of American society and the coexistence of unity and division within its multicultural framework.