The story 'Mericans' depicts how Hispanic and Mexican immigration was having an impact on the fabric of American society and how it had created a new population which was unsure of its identity.
In some cases, the majority white population was racist towards the Mexicans while in other cases it was not.
However, even if the language and food of Mexicans was being celebrated by the majority white population, there were still several identity crises within the young.
The story gives the example of two Mexican kids who speak English and want to embrace the ways of America. However, their traditonal grandmother wants them to focus on the church, speaking Spanish and live a more 'Mexican' Life.
Such identity crises were experienced by many immigrants and still has a huge impact on first-generation immigrants from China, Pakistan, India etc
The answer is that it keeps him from drowning. The scarf has magical powers that kept Odysseus alive when Poseidon wrecked his boat. He makes it Phaeacia where he is helped by the King who listens to his stories. He makes it back to Ithaca after that.
The author means that when people with power attempt to be fair they will be torn between two groups the people (critics) who feel that their choice is incorrect and the ones who feel that it is correct due to the situation. So kind of like the subject of bringing beheading back in the US many feel it is a horrible idea but many also feel it is correct. And for the second one, I am not sure because I have not read your article only the seventh paragraph.
