"It is an ironic title to the book in that the book's message is that the people abroad often make us look "ugly", while it is the ugly American that advances our interests (or the simple roaming farmer trying to boost egg production that is worshipped)."
"...people abroad..."? Our diplomats and public figures? Ummm... you mean, maybe, like Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy Karen Hughes, as example?
"...the ugly American that advances..."? Like a Dept. of Ag. wheat specialist or a young infantry N.C.O or civil affairs lieutenant? Baby-steps achieving quiet successes.
"...a book written about misguided SE Asia policy in 1958..."
Much less today, five decades later, it is remarkable how precient this book was about SVN at the time. I probably read the book about 1971-72. Considered passe' and trite by then. However, given the publishing date and JFK's interest in the Peace Corps and special forces, it's possible that this book may have been a topical guide into deeper conjecture by the future president.