As Reuters columnist Bernd Debusmann muses about the term 'Ugly American,' as so cleverly phrased by William Lederer and Eugene Burdick's book, it got me thinking about whether or not that sentiment will ever end. Since Barack Obama's historic and inspiring win, certain countries have taken notice, and perhaps will be willing to mold their perceptions of us accordingly. As Obama said himself in his victory speech, "A new dawn of American leadership is at hand."

Debusmann comments that just minutes after the election results, "American television viewers were treated to what have become rare images from abroad: large crowds happily waving - rather than burning - American flags." A good start, but merely symbolic change, as opposed to actual reform.

He also quotes British writer Pico Lyer who said, "Everywhere I've been this year - from Jerusalem to Japan to Columbia to Italy and back again - I've heard people essentially say that America is an overweight white plutocrat who is not only out of touch with the world but also shows no signs of wanting to grow closer to it." Pico admits the image is a tad unfair, yet...accurate on some level.

Some are wondering how long this good will image brought by Obama will last, but it's gotta be better than the past 7 years where Britain's The Daily Mirror quoted their front page the day after Bush's re-election in 2004 with "How can 59,054,087 people be so DUMB?" One thing Obama will be able to do successfully is to put that stereotype to rest, even if he can't possibly live up to others expectations on economic and foreign policy reform.

At least now Americans abroad like me won't be pressured to pretend we're Canadian.