I remember hearing this Jewish folklore (?) story about some rich man who wants to build a good orphanage but basically for clout. He feels guilty so he goes to a rabbi who basically tells him "who cares what your intentions were you built an orphanage that's a good thing"
Like sometimes intention matters sure, but sometimes it's more the act that matters (like say, filming ICE, whether it's "performative" or not)
And it's one of those things where I also feel like (possibly wrongly!) that some of the people scolding each other for "performative" actions are doing fuck all. (I will say: I hope I'm wrong and more people are taking action and not talking about it)
I will state though: If the reader feels I've attacked them, do NOT prove to me what you are actually doing. I don't want to hear about what you're doing on the ground that could potentially be compromised because you wanted to win an internet argument.