In an examination of some relationships between culture, assertiveness, decisionmaking, and self image among Chinese Americans, this paper focuses on themes such as: (1) how cultural factors impinge on individual capability to be assertive; (2) specific ways in which cultural conditioning affects decisionmaking skills and other behavior patterns; and (3) the impact of culture on the development of self image. Differences between traditional Chinese and American family systems and traditional Chinese and American classroom settings are outlined, and special attention is given to the influence of stereotyped portrayals in school resource materials and of television on the behavior patterns of Chinese Americans. The implications of cultural conditioning in the classroom are also discussed. Taken into consideration are the advances made by the Chinese American movement and the role that identification with this movement has played in increasing self awareness, assertiveness, and involvement in decisionmaking within this group. (EB)