The Dangers of Chicken and Watermelon

When trying to get Tennesseans to eat healthier via radio ads, be careful of what you suggest.

The Tennessee Department of Health pulled a radio public-service announcement yesterday after some people complained that it played to racial stereotypes about African-Americans.


The PSA encouraged listeners to ''try baking your chicken, eating a fresh tossed salad on the side and scrumptious watermelon for dessert.''


''I don't believe it was intended to have any racial overtones,'' said Diane Denton, spokeswoman for the department. ''We wouldn't want to offend anyone. We want to be culturally sensitive.''